Creative Commons - Rebalancing the Copyright Bargain in the Digital Age

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Creative commons ~ rebalancing the 'copyright bargain' in the digital age?

A free culture has been our past, but it will only be our future if we change the path we are on right now.1

I INTRODUCTION.

The rapid progression of the digital age has provided almost limitless access to creator's works,2 and has forced a cultural 'rethink' on the role of copyright laws in the modern world. 3 Centuries old copyright laws, created in an age where the reproduction of works was easy to control, have emerged into an era with almost limitless potential for cheap, accessible reproduction by anyone.4 Whilst copyright laws have provided periods of protection for creators interests,5 they are perceived by many to serve commercial monopolies over works and against both the interests of creators and society alike.6 This has triggered a cultural revolution toward alternatives that attempt to restore control back to the creators, and foster creative freedom that is essential for a healthy and progressive society.7

This paper will examine the relationship between copyright, the public domain, and one of those alternatives, Creative Commons.

II THE LAWS OF COPYRIGHT.

2.1 The Origins of Copyright.

In 1710