A Critique of Copyright Criticisms

Abstract

This article endeavors to explain the nature of some copyright criticisms and expose the fallacies behind them. This article demonstrates that applying a general label of “monopoly” to what are actually only property rights, is a misleading (although rhetorically effective) tactic. Assertions claiming that creators of copyrighted works do not increase output in response to price increases are shown to be contrary to economic logic and sui generis when compared to our belief about other markets. A fascinating claim that American book producers in a highly competitive environment paid British authors (without copyright) amounts similar to what they could have earned with copyright, is shown to be a largely fanciful story.