What is the negative impact of copyright?

Answer 1

There are two major flaws in the current copyright laws. Terms are far too long effectively "locking down" a work forever. Reverse engineering, even when it would be to the public benefit, is still forbidden.

Answer 2

The intent of copyright is to encourage creativity by allowing artists to ascribe value to their intellectual property. As the economy becomes more information-based than manufacturing-based, copyright and other intellectual property rights have a greater impact.

Answer 3

In the short term, it devalues the infringed materials and stops the rightsholder from realizing all of its potential profit.

In the long term, it can reduce the selection of materials available, by creating a situation in which it is not financially viable to create for a living. If millions of people torrent a movie instead of going to the theater, that studio might not be able to afford a quality production next year.

Answer 4

Breaking copyright laws may end up with you being sent to court. Some companies protect their copyright very actively, sending notices to anyone who violates it. For instance, movie and music companies have made examples out of people in the past for this.

Answer 5

That are bicker will start between the companies that want it.

Answer 6

Creators are able to derive income from their intellectual property, but users are also given exceptions for certain unlicensed uses.

Answer 7

Copyright can limit free expression; a lot of the law is designed to balance that out, but it's not always successful.