FROM “USER-GENERATED-CONTENT”
TO A “USER-GENERATED-COPYRIGHT“

Requirements for a modern copyright in the digital age

Sparkling Science Research Projekt (01/2015 - 01/2017)

During the last decade, ways of distributing and consuming copyrighted works have radically changed. In the light of the emerging ‘digital economy’ fostered by a wide availability of broadband technologies, cloud computing services and changed user habits, the traditional concept of copyright has become subject to a broad public debate. It is more and more common to distribute digital copies of works not only by tangible media, but also via online accessible platforms. Nowadays, users “buy” and more often “consume” digital goods online. From a legal, economic and social perspective, this paradigm shift rigorously challenges the classical copyright doctrine which follows an “analogue world” approach. Thus, this research project aims to provide a definition of relevant prerequisites for a modern, well-balanced copyright system based on a broad social consensus.