Copyright in cyberspace; protecting intellectual property online

  Imitation , some say is the sincerest form of flattery!!

I find this notion of copyright a confusing , difficult and very multi sided concept to fathom . From years of asking- Is it OK to take photographs in an Art gallery? Only to be told , It's fine once they are just used for 'educational purposes' only . I find it rather interesting in light of this at the recent 2009 'Frieze Fair' in London . In which up and coming artists took part in 'The art of Imitation' project. This mock up version of the real thing  saw expensive iconic artworks be imitated using scrap materials and sold at knock off prices . 

'Part of the project was really about taking ownership of the pieces, making them your own. Its adding a new layer'(Ricks, The Irish Times) 

In this difficult digital transition certain laws and regulations will cease to become in-effective and new procedures will have to be put in place to protect the copyright in Cyberspace. While the Internet solves distribution and creativity issues it also opens a huge can of worms referred to in this chapter  as the ' digital dilemma' .

This piece of writhing  highlights several disputes that have came about as a result of lack of suitable digital legislation laws . While I feel a digital lock down is needed to fight against digital piracy, I believe it should not come at the expense of combating or curbing creativity. The creator undoubtedly must be protected for his /her ' intellectual property' but to what extent is the question . I flexibility should be introduced to promote creativity and research . The legislation should function in a fair way for both parties what does not punish or hinge on the accessibility factor of the Internet.

Works Cited: 

 Ricks, Jim  'The Art of Imitation' Mahoney Donald ,The Irish Times,Oct 23rd 2009

Bibliography: 

Olson, Kathleen K , 'Copyright in Cyberspace; Protecting Intellectual Property Online',Gaunteett, David and Ross Horsley. Web Studies, 2nd edition, London; Hodder Education 2004