Individual credit for writings is a new concept (within the last few
hundred years)
- Before the Renaissance, works were attributed to the king (or current
leader) as a simple matter of respect
- To claim credit for ideas as an individual was considered
highly antisocial
In the late 18th century, copyright law was initially
developed to
- Promote the public good
- It only secondarily benefited producers
- It protects objects in order to protect
ideas
Last modified: Tue May 26 18:35:27 DST 1998