Authors, Copyright, and Publishing in the Digital Era

This work examines recent challenges to copyright structures posed by technological advances, all seen from the perspective of authors of original works in Australia. Introductory chapters give background on the history and development of copyright law and its theoretical and philosophical foundations. In subsequent chapters, current copyright structure underpinning copyright law in Australia is examined, and legislation, case law, and publishing contracts are examined. The global implications of changing copyright models are explored, and authors’ responses are analyzed. The book draws on interviews with published Australian authors as well as other original qualitative/quantitative research undertaken for the author’s PhD thesis.

A straightforward, concise volume, Cantatore’s Authors, Copyright, and Publishing in the Digital Era examines these three closely interconnected elements, none of which can function without the other, and all of which are influenced in complex and significant ways by the other. Cantatore explores each element alone and in conjunction with the other elements to give the reader a better understanding of the legal, ethical, historical, social, and academic considerations and implications of these issues.