Comprehensive Analysis of the Electronic Music Industry
Comprehensive Analysis of the Electronic Music Industry
Introduction
As technology improves, the current laws about intellectual property and copyright are being challenged. Copying of nearly everything, from sound, to text, to video is made simple with computers, the Internet, scanners, CD burners and other technology. Specifically, this paper examines how the conflicts between intellectual property laws and technology are affecting the music industry. The U.S. Department of Commerce estimated in the 1980s the worldwide value of pirated music to be $1.2 billion annually (Benko 33). The International Intellectual Property Alliance estimated Unites States losses in the recorded music industry due to piracy at $600 million per year in the 1980s and the numbers are certainly higher now (Benko 33). There is obviously a lot at stake for those who are involved with the music industry.
This paper will introduce the reader to a complex world of intellectual property, copyright, technology, and the music industry as well as attempt to show how all of these areas intertwine and connect. The reader can choose how they wish to read the paper, but I will include a recommended path to follow for the fullest effect. If you are interested in printed the full text of the paper, please use this copy.
To clear up any confusion about terms used in the paper, start with the Definitions section. The paper is then divided into sections including a Literature Review, Discussion and Conclusion. The Literature Review encompasses the current intellectual property laws (including international laws and domestic laws), technology and its abilities (analog to digital, the Internet, and MP3), and the effects on the music industry (artists views, record company views, and views of fans).
Definitions
Before analyzing issues regarding this complex topic, it may help to understand some of the most commonly used terms. For example, there is a difference between intellectual property and copyright.
Intellectual Property or Copyright?
Intellectual property is a broad term covering human's work of all kinds. Some intellectual property, that which are literary and artistic works, can be copyrighted. Copyrights are used to protect the use of intellectual property. Many types of work can be copyrighted including:
• literary works (writings of many kinds)
• musical works (this includes popular music)
• choreographic works
• artistic works (regardless of purpose)
• maps and technical drawings
• photographic works
• audiovisual works (things such...