Copyright Conundrum

Sidebar by Courthouse News

Would you believe us if we told you copyright law is the biggest regulation on free speech in the United States?
When you exercise your First Amendment right to paint a picture or write the next great American novel, your speech belongs to you. No one can take it and pass it off as their own.
But when all the power is vested solely in one person, the rights of others slowly begin to dwindle.
If you think copyright is just a term for media executives and lawyers, come along as we unravel its constitutional underpinnings.
In our fifth episode this season, we dissect this intricate balance that copyright law maintains between protecting creators and ensuring the public’s unfettered access to cultural treasurer, detailing the symbiotic relationship between artistic works and the fundamental right to speak freely.
Copyright is all around us because speech is all around us.
Special guests:

• Jennifer Jenkins, a Duke University professor of law and director of the university's Center for the Study of the Public Domain
• Mike Masnick, writer and founder of Techdirt
• Corynne McSherry, legal director at the Electronic Frontier Foundation
• Keith Kupferschmid, CEO of Copyright Alliance

This episode was produced by Kirk McDaniel. Intro music by The Dead Pens.
Editorial staff is Bill Dotinga, Sean Duffy and Jamie Ross.