Just discovered this article on the NPR Music website about sheet music piracy. I am not surprised that sheet music has the same issues and challenges as music. Jason Robert Brown, the owner of the work, is perfectly entitled to enforce his copyright but is that the right business model?
JadeXJustice/fickr
There are many examples of how the Internet has destroyed traditional and successful business models, such as the distribution of news, newspaper, movies and photographs etc. I like to focus on the business of music and the Internet as I have loved all (well not all, but most) genre of music for decades and also because I believe that there are opportunities for the music business to re-make itself to take advantage of technology.
Some interesting articles just published in the LA Times here and here. And one more here with a photo of Iggy Pop.
No time to write now as I am off to Singapore in a few hours having spent the last couple of weeks in Tokyo and Seattle.
Read this article and liked it. Having worked in companies who have been embroiled in anti-trust allegations, the points made by the author resonate with me.
Like many countries, Singapore recognizes that geographical indications can identify the source of certain products. See the Geographical Indications Act (Cap 117B) of the Singapore Statutes. Before the Act became law, I recall having to advise on whether geographical indicia were enforceable in Singapore. At that time, there was on-going litigation in England and Australia. When the dust settled, it was clear that French winemakers had won the day. It was a novel argument at the time and it worked with great success.
Over the weekend, I came across this article in the Wall Street Journal where Savile Row tailors were arguing that “Savile Row” as a street is in itself a geographical indicia of high quality suits. Not only that, the tailors were also attempting to limit the use of the word “bespoke” to custom hand tailored suits and not ready-to-wear suits. Clearly, the liberal use of the “Savile Row” and “bespoke” is diluting the value of these craftsmen.
After reading the article, I have some sympathy for the Savile Row tailors. It is interesting to see whether a geographical indicia can get down to the street level of locale.
Long silence on this blog. Thoughts on that later.
Bought “The Public Domain by James Boyle” and have started reading it. Enjoying it so far. As a lawyer who has dealt with enforcing and emphasizing proprietary rights for all of my career, I am prepared to read the thesis espoused in the book with an open mind. In fact I am hoping to be swayed by it.
Having bought the book, I now realize that you can read it for free courtesy of James Boyle. Encourage you to do so.
Don’t think I’ll get my money back though.
Especially since I spent a good amount of my life and career dealing with piracy issues. Piracy: The Intellectual Property Wars from Guttenberg to Gates by Adrian Johns.
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