The beginnings of copyright can be traced back to 1710. Under British common law, it was forbidden to reproduce the work of an author without his consent as it deprived the author of earnings to be made from that work. In 1789, President George Washington signed the US copyright law based on the British version.
"To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries" (Article I, Section 8 of the US Constitution).
Although now several centuries later t,he wording has changed, the basic concept has not. It is illegal to reproduce and/or distribute work that belongs to someone else.
Check out this original copy and interpretation of the Statute of Anne!
http://www.copyrighthistory.com/anne.html
About Me
- Becca B.
- wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, English teacher, student, cat lover, dancer, musician, comedian, shoe shopper, ice cream addict, book nerd, writer, perfectionist, coordinator of fun, and obsessive compulsive nut.
5 comments:
It is very interesting to be able to see the history of copyright. While I knew that the laws had started in Britain, it was fun to see the original document. Great idea!
Rebecca,
I had no idea that copyright law originated in the UK. As a lover of British history, I am truly disappointed in myself. Thanks for including this historical background. And, I love the name of your blog, the picture is super cute as well!
~Erin
Thanks girls! I am a big fan of "themes." They help me get my creative juices flowing! I really enjoyed researching the history of copyright as well... now it seems like the more I learn about copyright, the more freaked out I get!
Including a link to the document itself was a great idea. I think you are a natural blogger :)
I did see Hoda Kotbe (spelling) from the Today Show last year when I went to see the Rockettes. She crossed the street right in front of me, and she's incredibly tall. Unfortunately, I didn't get a pic because she moved really fast with her incredibly long legs, lol! I do, however, have a picture of the back of Winona Ryder from when she filmed "Girl Interrupted" in Hanover, PA. I only got the back of her not a front shot, but I am going to pass on having it copyrighted. Thanks for the laugh, Becca!
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