Presentation on Creative Commons -Digital copyright alternatives

While open source software often captures the spotlight in the digital universe, the global sharing of information is not as common a debate, particularly the issues around copyright.

Marcus Borfreund, co-founder of the Creative Commons in Canada, gave an interesting presentation during the workshops at the conference Saturday, pointing out a fascinating alternative to the “all rights reserved” copyright currently available to anyone who publishes on the web.

The Creative Commons offers a customizable copyright where some rights are reserved, but not all. This provides a mid-point between the absolute protection of the current copyright laws and the no rights reserved or public domain scenario.

Creative Commons is available in 69 countries, starting in the United States. It is legally enforceable and is mainly a virtual movement.

Considering the tone set by Professor Jean-Claude Guedon, a copyright expert from the University of Montreal, the alternatives being offered by Creative Commons is vital. He characterized the current atmosphere around digital copyright as a “war” being waged between those who wish to impose traditional copyright in the digital world. In some countries, like those in Europe and the United States, intellectual property rights extend 75 years. In Canada, it is 50 years. He lamented the constraints this placed on creativity and innovation, urging the universal accessibility to information, while protecting ownership.