How does technological development affect the laws governing intellectual property?

Answer 1

Because the lawmaking process is so slow, IP laws are continuously struggling to catch up with technological advances. Each major step forward (e.g., digital music, computer networking, satellite radio, etc.) should correspond to an update in the law, but as this is not always possible, we are often attempting to apply old laws to new things, sometimes with ridiculous results.

Answer 2

A relatively small change is that certain definitions in copyright have expanded to include digital documents (for example, "literary works" includes computer software). One would hope that the law would keep up with technology a little better than that, but no.

The more significant effect of digital technology is that violating others' IP rights is cheaper and easier than ever.While earlier advances like the photocopier and the VCR were considered threats by rightsholders of the past, they're nothing compared to the possibilities offered by the internet. Generations of people have always had fast, easy, and free access to music, television, movies, and more, to the extent that they genuinely don't understand that torrenting a movie is a violation of federal and international laws.

IP violations are often found in conjunction with other crimes as well. Spoof websites and phishing scams use trademarks fraudulently, and fake pharmaceuticals abuse the trademarks and patents of the real drugs.

Patents for mechanical objects such as gears and machine parts may have been considered to be "safe" from violation simply because it's difficult or impossible to fabricate without expensive equipment, but 3D printers such as CNC Cupcake make even this relatively straightforward.

Answer 3

Copyright is one form of intellectual property, protecting original creative works. Other forms of intellectual property are protected by patent law and trademark law.

Answer 4

IP laws define the associated rights, as well as policies and punishment when those rights are violated.