Public Domain, Fair Use and Copyright Free Ebook
Digital Comic Book From Duke Law School
Oct 27, 2009
There can be no doubt that the issues surrounding copyright and fair use are increasing in importance. Many people are still completely unaware of copyright and its importance in modern life, while others might have an understanding which is incomplete. Part of the challenge facing people who are charged with implementing policy and policing copyright is making sure that information regarding copyright is readily available and easy to understand.
Copyright and Fair Use
While there is a lot of information available about copyright, fair use and public domain, much of it is written either in official language which is difficult to digest or it is passed through word of mouth via blogs and hearsay until its original meaning and accuracy has been lost. The issue of sharing information about copyright and fair use is discussed in a 70 page comic ebook, Tales from the Public Domain: Bound by Law, from Duke Law School's Center for the Study of the Public Domain (CSPD), written by James Boyle and Jennifer Jenkins and drawn by Keith Aoki, each a law professional.
Tales from the Public Domain: Bound by Law Ebook
The free ebook, Tales from the Public Domain: Bound by Law is written in comic book style and is designed for people working in the arts and film making. It uses humor and cartoons to discuss important subjects and raise awareness of key copyright issues. The scattering of real life examples helps to reinforce the message and to illustrate the issues regarding copyright and fair use.
Comic Book Style
Unlike a traditionally written text book about copyright law, Tales from the Public Domain: Bound by Law, being written in comic book style presents the information in an easy to read and understand format, without the reader feeling that they are being patronized or 'spoken down to'. While the comic book is written with artists and film makers in mind, people with an interest in copyright and fair usage will find plenty of relevant information that will be useful.
Accessing the Tales From the Public Domain Ebook
Tales from the Public Domain: Bound by Law is available as a digital publication, free of charge from the Duke Law School's Center for the Study of the Public Domain website. The comic book can be accessed in a number of ways. Readers can view the comic book online in html or flash format. The book can also be downloaded in pdf format where it can be viewed off line or printed. Tales from the Public Domain: Bound by Law is available under a Creative Commons Attribution - Noncommercial – Share Alike 2.5 license. For more information about Creative Commons licensing see the Creative Commons website.
Further Reading
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