Copyright Law in the Digital Society

Multimedia technology is a key component of the Digital Society. This book comprehensively examines the extent to which copyright and database right protect multimedia works. It does so from the perspective of UK law, but with due attention being paid to EU law, international treaties and comparative developments in other jurisdictions, such as Australia and the U.S. The central argument of the book is that the copyright and database right regimes are, for the most part, flexible enough to meet the challenges presented by multimedia. As a result, it is neither necessary nor desirable to introduce separate copyright protection or sui generis protection for multimedia works.

This important and original new work will be essential reading for any lawyer engaged in advising on IP matters relating to the new media industries, and scholars and students working in intellectual property and computer law.

1 Understanding Multimedia
2 Justifications for Protecting Multimedia Works
3 Subsistence of Copyright in Multimedia Works
4 Scope of Protection for Multimedia Works
5 Exceptions and Multimedia Works
6 Reform Proposals

“...a welcome contribution to the more wide-ranging debate whether the current UK copyright system is an obstacle to future European and international harmonization...Aplin's extensive account of the intricacies of protecting multimedia works under UK copyright law provides essential inferences for international and European lawmaking...an exceptionally comprehensive account of the issues arising under UK law which are rigorously explored. It is highly recommended.” –  Guido Westkamp, Journal of Intellectual Property Law & Practice, Vol 1, No 5

“Aplin's approach to the regulation of multimedia is well-researched and reasoned…Aplin has made a scholarly and important contribution to a novel field of the law. Both her overview of the various legal issues and insight into possible directions of reform will be valuable to scholars, practitioners and policymakers.” –  Sarah Strasser, The King's College Law Journal, Vol 17, Issue 1

“…a lovely little book…It is current in its content and contemporary in its approach to the subject. Having had to rescue it at least twice from predatory but admiring colleagues in the course of review, the reviewer can confidently recommend it.” –  Professor Jeremy Phillips, European Intellectual Property Review, Vol 28, Issue 6

“…this original and well-written book makes a valuable and up-to-date contribution to the debate…What makes this book valuable to academics and practitioners alike is its breadth and comprehensive analysis…This is a book well worth having.” –  Simon Stokes, Entertainment Law Review, Vol 17, Issue 1

“The definitions and legal analysis are extremely thorough, and would be useful to a practitioner or academic researching a detailed legal argument.” –  Helen Dakin, Copyright Reporter, Vol 23, No 4

“…one of the book's strengths is the refreshing conviction and clarity with which Aplin puts forward her proposals and challenges the established wisdom on certain key points…an accessible source of reference well beyond the confines of the multimedia debate and a highly recommended addition to the library of practising IP and technology lawyers.” –  Julian Cunningham-Day, The Journal of E-Commerce, Technology and Communications

“A welcome addition to the growing literature on the subject.” –  The Commonwealth Lawyer, Vol 14, No 3