Publishing today confronts a paradox: The digital revolution has transformed the act of copying from complicated to commonplace; yet authors and publishers must rely upon copyright – essentially, control over copy-making and distribution of their works – as the essential basis for conducting business. An industry built upon creativity, inspiration and innovation now stands accused of holding to outmoded models purely for survival’s sake. Is there any way out of the “copyright conundrum?”
In an engaging solo presentation on the final day of the London Book Fair, Copyright Clearance Center’s Victoriano Colodrón argued that a strong defense of copyright is not for the protection of the past but is the only proven way to deliver innovation and discoveries in the future. The answer to the “copyright conundrum,” says Colodrón, is that it is more vital than ever.