ABSTRACT
The emergence of digital products has led to a growing challenge for publishers operating in the digital environment. One of the most fundamental aspects of publishing that has come under scrutiny during the development and expansion of the internet has been the issue of copyright. Copyright has existed for hundreds of years and, while it operates differently in different countries, the basic principle of creators owning the right to their creation has come to form the basis of much of the way publishing business is done across the world. Copyright has been regarded as a way for creators of content to gain recognition for their work (an ongoing right to be seen as the creator) as well as to benefit commercially from their creation if they wish. For many this right is seen as important in encouraging creativity to continue; if creators know their work is protected in some form or other, they will continue to create, so enriching the intellectual, cultural and economic strength of their society. One of the guiding principles of the World Wide Web since its inception has been
the ability of everyone to connect and share information. There is a belief in the fundamental democracy represented by the fact the internet can facilitate openness and allow for engagement without boundaries. With Web 2.0 we can engage more directly with others across social media, for instance, whether by becoming involved in movements, recommending products or creating content. The growth in ‘internet philosophy’ books is testament to the involved nature of the debate, particularly in relation to free content. These questions can touch on copyright: should information be free? If so, is copyright limiting this sense of freedom? If work can be published and
distributed very quickly and cheaply, does copyright remain an old-fashioned way of controlling the spread of content – indeed, is it a form of censorship in itself? Publishers, as one of the stakeholders in the construct of copyright, are facing a
growing debate about the relevance of copyright in the digital age. Copyright in the print book was reasonably clear. The creation was contained in a physical product, which made it easy to manage. However, a digital product is a lot more difficult to control as it can be distributed so easily and quickly. Most would argue easy access is a good thing: society should encourage the rapid and collaborative spread of research or provide educational materials to countries that cannot afford them. But managing content carefully, protecting creators and their rights are still important, even where the intention is for their content to be distributed openly and freely. There are also issues, such as infringement and piracy, which were already important but have become more complex with the rise of digital publishing. So the areas of copyright and legality are coming increasingly under scrutiny.
