ABSTRACT
We have long been accustomed to exploitation of copyright in academic circles, but the commercial exploitation by universities, on a wide scale, of patented discoveries and business know-how is relatively new. Even the name and coat of arms of a university can produce an income in this commercialized world. There is an explosive growth in the desire for knowledge, for information, for education. At the same time, social forces are at work to denigrate and oppose traditional rights of property in the fruits of intellectual endeavour and research, and of talent and entrepreneurship in the creative industries. Freedom of information challenges long-held restrictive attitudes. Freedom of speech is sweeping away old taboos, but orchestrated protest is showing its power as it sets up new ones.
