Copyright and Collective Authorship: Locating the Authors of Collaborative Work

The book "Copyright and Collective Authorship" discusses the problem of determining authorship in collaborative works and proposes a recalibration of copyright law to adopt an inclusive and contextual approach to joint authorship that is more aligned with creative reality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 325 pages
Publication date: 19 May 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The prevalence of large-scale collaboration has been facilitated by advancements in technology, leading to a growing interest in determining authorship and ownership of copyright in collaborative works. Current copyright law fails to provide a coherent or consistent answer to this question, which has significant implications for the creative industry. In her book, Copyright and Collective Authorship, Daniela Simone delves into the complexities of determining authorship in highly collaborative works. Drawing from insights into how collaborators understand and regulate issues of authorship, Simone argues that a recalibration of copyright law is necessary. She proposes an inclusive and contextual approach to joint authorship that is true to the legal concept of authorship but also more aligned with the creative reality of collaboration.

Simone begins by exploring the historical and cultural contexts that have shaped the understanding of authorship. She argues that the traditional notion of individual authorship is increasingly inadequate in the face of collaborative works, where multiple individuals contribute to the creation of a work. She suggests that a more nuanced approach is required, one that recognizes the contributions of all collaborators and takes into account the collaborative nature of the creative process.

One of the key arguments in the book is that joint authorship should be defined based on the intentions and actions of the collaborators rather than solely on their contributions to the work. Simone argues that authorship should be seen as a dynamic and fluid concept that can evolve over time as collaborators interact and work together. She proposes a framework for determining joint authorship that takes into account factors such as the level of collaboration, the extent of each collaborator's contribution, and the intentions behind the creation of the work.

Simone also examines the legal implications of her proposed approach to joint authorship. She argues that a recalibration of copyright law is necessary to accommodate the realities of collaboration and to ensure that authors receive proper recognition and compensation for their contributions. She suggests that a more inclusive and contextual approach to joint authorship would be more aligned with the legal concept of authorship but would also provide greater protection for collaborators.

In conclusion, Copyright and Collective Authorship is a thought-provoking book that offers a fresh perspective on determining authorship in collaborative works. By challenging the traditional notion of individual authorship and proposing a more inclusive and contextual approach to joint authorship, Simone provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about copyright law and the creative industry. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of authorship in the digital age.

Weight: 478g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316649091