Increasing Innovation Through Copyright Common Sense and Better Government Policy

Abstract

Innovation is crucial to the U.S. economy. But many of our laws and policies are not promoting innovation. This Essay addresses this problem.

The first set of proposals focuses on copyright law. The recommendations avoid vague copyright law and suggest the elimination of statutory damages and personal liability in cases of secondary infringement.

The second set of proposals highlights government policies that can be adjusted to achieve a more enlightened immigration policy; adequate funding for basic research; an increased focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education; and an extension of the research-and-development (R&D) tax credit.

Copyright law and other government policy often neglect the importance of innovation. The proposals offered in this Essay aim to remedy this deficiency.

Keywords: innovation, copyright, immigration, tax, STEM, statutory damages, personal liability, R&D tax credit, basic research

JEL Classification: E62, H20, H52, I28, J61, K34, O31, O33, O34, O38