Digital Copyright and the Consumer Revolution

Book excerpt: A very helpful and accessible collection of contemporary issues in digital copyright law. . . Rimmer s book is quite possibly the most enjoyable and easy to read guide to selected issues of digital copyright law on the market today. . . Its core strength is undoubtedly its accessibility it is a pleasure to read. Martin Arthur Kuppers, Journal of Intellectual Property Law and Practice Matthew Rimmer s book provides much needed insight into the current status of digital copyright and its relationship to the general purchasing public. . . This book, which has a structure that flows with concinnity and concision, makes it easy to navigate some of the most complicated and controversial issues. Lisa Wong, Osgoode Hall Law Journal This engaging account of US copyright law (and copyright wars) is thorough and informative. Following a comprehensive and compelling introduction, encompassing a literature review and outline of the methodology and arguments to be adopted. . . His deep understanding of the subject matter, as well as his profound empathy with consumers, are evident throughout the work; the book will, no doubt, foster a similar interest in another generation of copyright law scholars. Louise Buckingham, Copyright Reporter Digital Copyright and the Consumer Revolution is a very important and timely book. . . and is a crucial vade mecum on the ever evolving global maze of case law and copyright reform . Colin Steele, Australian Library Journal It will most definitely prove to be an indispensable tool for researchers concerned with recent legal developments in the copyright field, both in America and Australia. Rimmer s Hands Off My iPod is a comprehensive and detailed analysis of current problems facing copyright holders as the struggle (and often fumble) to find a balance between profiting off their property and keeping the newly-powerful, increasingly agile user happy. Adam Sulewski, Journal of High Technology Law Rimmer brings the tension between law and technology to life in this important and accessible work. Digital Copyright and the Consumer Revolution helps make sense of the global maze of caselaw and copyright reform that extend from San Francisco to Sydney. The book provides a terrific guide to the world s thorniest digital legal issues as Rimmer demonstrates how the consumer interest is frequently lost in the crossfire. Michael A. Geist, the Canada Research Chair of Internet and E-Commerce Law, the University of Ottawa, Canada This book documents and evaluates the growing consumer revolution against digital copyright law, and makes a unique theoretical contribution to the debate surrounding this issue. With a focus on recent US copyright law, the book charts the consumer rebellion against the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act 1998 (US) and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act 1998 (US). The author explores the significance of key judicial rulings and considers legal controversies over new technologies, such as the iPod, TiVo, Sony Playstation II, Google Book Search, and peer-to-peer networks. The book also highlights cultural developments, such as the emergence of digital sampling and mash-ups, the construction of the BBC Creative Archive, and the evolution of the Creative Commons. Digital Copyright and the Consumer Revolution will be of prime interest to academics, law students and lawyers interested in the ramifications of copyright law, as well as policymakers given its focus upon recent legislative developments and reform proposals. The book will also appeal to librarians, information managers, creative artists, consumers, technology developers, and other users of copyright material.