The Intellectual Commons : Toward an Ecology of Intellectual Property

The rapid emergence of digital media has created both economic opportunities and risks for authors, publishers, and users in regards to intellectual property. This book works to develop a theory of intellectual property that is based on a theory of natural rights that assumes the existence of a natural world of intellectual resources.

The rapid emergence of digital media has created both new economic opportunities and new risks for authors, publishers, and users in regards to intellectual property. There is a theoretical conflict raging between those who believe ''information should be free'' and those attempting to protect intellectual property through surveillance and control of access. The Intellectual Commons works to develop a theory of intellectual property that is based on a theory of natural rights that assumes the existence of a ''natural world'' of intellectual resources. Chett Mitchell develops a moral framework that makes cooperation among the groups involved rather than conflict central to understanding intellectual property rights. Drawing on early modern theorists such as Grotius, Pufendorf, and Locke as well as the intellectual theory of copyright put forth by L. Ray Patterson, Mark Rose, and Michel Foucault, Intellectual Commons presents a way to bring IP theory and practice together. This book is an important addition to the intellectual property debate and a must for law students, communication theorists, and any person interested in the future of digital media rights.