In 1998, copyright lobbyists succeeded in persuading Congress to enact laws greatly expanding copyright owners' control over individuals' private u...
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reviews
Mar 25, 2009
Andy
rated it: 
A little-known book, highly respected by peers in the intellectual property field, this account explains in clear language how the law evolved to the point where it is today, throwing bonds over creative efforts and weighing down intellectual productivity with absurd rules that never made sense in any era.
Litman patiently explores details and does not oversimplify, but her account moves along engagingly. The process that led to abominations such as anti-circumvention laws are based i More...
Litman patiently explores details and does not oversimplify, but her account moves along engagingly. The process that led to abominations such as anti-circumvention laws are based i More...
Jan 26, 2011
Ben
rated it: 
I read the second edition, from 2006. Only difference is there's a new afterward. The view on computers and technology are slightly dated because so much has changed, but technically the copyright law hasn't so it's still pretty accurate, especially in dealing with ethical issues, the historical treatment and functioning as a snapshot of that era.
The afterward is clearly from a different era and a new afterward today would be greatly helpful. Just keep tacking them on! :p
The afterward is clearly from a different era and a new afterward today would be greatly helpful. Just keep tacking them on! :p
Dec 07, 2010
John
rated it: 
More like 2.5. First half is pretty good, but second half is extremely tedious. The upshot is that copyright law (particularly DMCA) has not real discernible policy rationale. It's just a bunch of deals and sausage-making among industry interests
Feb 24, 2009
G
rated it:
A smart and well-reasoned introduction to contemporary copyright law and its evolution.
Nov 06, 2008
Jennifer
rated it:
The two stars are rather misleading as I thought that reading 200 pages on copyright law would make me shoot myself in the brain. Yes, it is boring. Super boring at points. But Litman brings up excellent points about copyright and fair use and sort of makes me all feisty at the way copyright law has become so all encompassing and terrible in the past decade. So, for a normal book, two stars. For a book on copyright law, 4 stars.
Apr 01, 2009
Lane
rated it:
A fantastic foray into the complexities of copyright law in the 21st century. Litman writes with an enviable clarity, despite the (sometimes) baffling subject matter. Any author who can (1) provide coherent explanation of copyright law, (2) acknowledge the limitations of such an inquiry, and (3) craft an entertaining exposition, deserves no less than 4 stars.
Oct 19, 2008
mcburton
rated it: 
This is an important and detailed introduction to the current legal issues with Copyright. I personally didn't like Litman's colloquial style, but its definitely much more accessible that most other texts in this genre.
May 10, 2010
Kristi
rated it:
For a school book, this is actually not bad. Pretty good writing style, and very informative.
Mar 17, 2009
Ramona
rated it:
A good book, but a person could read Larry Lessig and skip Litman without being sorry.
May 08, 2009
Hannah
rated it:
Tells the story of how the Digital Millennium Copyright Act was created.
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