Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of the book. The book focuses on 'information feudalism' a description of the modern knowledge economies in which intellectual property rights play a central role. Intellectual property rights are, in essence, government tools for regulating markets in information. The book explores why states should give up sovereignty over something as fundamental as the property laws that determine the ownership of information and the technologies that so profoundly affect the basic rights of their citizens. It also explores the ways in which we can move towards democratic property rights. Intellectual property rights are justified using different kinds of theories such as utilitarianism, natural rights theory or theories of justice. The book describes a rhetorical tool of persuasion that was used to change perceptions and thinking – the label of piracy. It focuses on how the publicness of knowledge matters to competition and public goods.