- Image via Wikipedia
I stayed up way past my bed time on Sunday because I was drawn into the documentary RiP: A Remix Manifesto. The film resonated with me because three years ago I found myself scouring the internets trying desperately to understand copyright law. After my journey into the depths of legalese, I determined that I can come up with an argument to be able to utilize copyrighted material and along those same lines, the copyright holder can sue me if they don’t like my work or my argument… and either way I would lose.
That’s what got me watching the movie, and I’ve attached the YouTube trailer below for your viewing pleasure.
What kept me watching though were the parallels I started to draw with the copyright reform, or remix, arguments that the documentary made and the conversation movement that social media has brought to the table.
The Argument I find Interesting
If its ok for people to say Brand X is awesome or Brand X sucks on twitter, facebook, etc. with words, then what is different about those same people using logos, audio, or video clips to relay the same message on-line? Is it the message that is bad or the medium for which the message is delivered? I would argue that if the message is ok, then the medium shouldn’t matter…
So is it a different story if there is money to be made?
I found myself in a heated discussion this week with an esteemed colleague of mine, whose opinion I respect very much, around the topic of copyright law needing revision, in order to allow for increased collaboration and creation. One of my friend’s arguments was that its stealing if the derivative creations are able to make money.
I think that a solid case can be made against counterfeiting, although there are ways to distinguish counterfeit from authentic materials. However, there are a couple reasons why I find myself in disagreement with this argument in general.
Is Copyright Law Still Relevant When You
A. Question the pretense around the idea of original thought, especially in a connected world.
B. Question that the law and litigation are the only means to halt or deter the theft or unauthorized use of copyright.
C. Question the idea that an organization truly controls its brand image through logos and press releases, especially in a connected world.
D. Question the opportunity costs associated with pursuing litigation over copyright infringement, as opposed to discovering better business models.
Where do you stand on this topic? Will a groundswell overturn the way that we think about copyright law as we all learn to express our feelings for the brands we love and hate through all forms of media? Or is copyright protection still needed to protect intellectual property from ne’er-do-wells? Tell me what you think, and enjoy the movie.
