“Copyright is usually presented as a balance between promoting the public interest in the encouragement and dissemination of work of the arts and intellect and obtaining just reward for the creator” -“Binnie J Theberge
As set out in Theberge, Copyright in Canada (and internationally) is built upon the fundamental assumption that the user and creator are two distinct entities, and their rights must be balanced against one another. But what if this was merely an appearance, and the self and other is not separate? If this where true, would this make Copyright law inoperable? What would a world without copyright look like?
Come join me in our last class, as I guide us down a winding, and unfamiliar path to Imagining a World Without Copyright. To aid us in this thought experiment, I adopt core tenants of Spiritualities, Religions and Psychologies of the East. Namely, Hinduism, Zen Buddhism, and Mindfulness. I encourage us to move beyond our narrow conditioning as law students, and lean into an alternate world view, The Oneness of Things (however, disorientating and uncomfortable it may be). Next, we’ll explore how the regime of copyright falls apart when imbued with an eastern modality, with particular focus on the requirement of originality, and the public interest defence. The presentation wraps up with a discussion of the possible implications of a world without copyright.
To help introduce to some of the themes of tomorrow presentation, I have shared with you a meditation practice, followed by a short explanatory video.
If nothing else, I hope the meditation provides you with some calm as we move into exam season.
Curious, for access to 30 days of free guided meditation practice email me at lauramariaburke14@gmail.com
Saddle up for a wild ride!
Love Laura