A historical appreciation of the principles of intellectual property relevant to copyright

Abstract

Intellectual property law is facing a new frontier with the onset of further globalisation and further technological development. Copyright is no exception in this regard and with a culture of expanding on the same legal mores in spite of the ever-changing landscape it is pertinent to re-evaluate the underlying principles and events which the regime is based upon in order to prevent obfuscations in the thinking behind the already elusive concept of copyright. A multi-pronged approach is warranted; with a historical appreciation of copyright examined in a Maltese and global context to underline those events which made copyright possible. Apart from this it is also pertinent to examine the underlying concepts of copyright and assess their functioning within different historical eras. Finally it is also worth taking a first principles approach to the theoretical precepts of copyright and intellectual property in general to clarify the salient points which need to be addressed to solve current and future problems within the regime.