Category Open

The Creative Commons Solution: Protecting Copyright in Short-Form Videos on Social Media Platforms

[Cheng-chi (Kirin) Chang] Abstract: The rapid development of short-form video social platforms, such as TikTok, has created huge commercial value but also highlights serious copyright infringement problems. Traditional "all rights reserved" protection models may not be adequate in this evolving creative landscape. The paper proposes the use of Creative Commons licenses as a solution to address the imbalance of rights between platforms and users.

Effect of an Open Patent Pool Strategy on Technology Innovation in Terms of Creating Shared Value

[Deuksin Kwon, Ha Young Lee, Joon Hyung Cho, and So Young Sohn] Abstract: In open patent pools (OPPs), members share their patents to each other. What gains do they expect by sharing patents? In this study, we analyze the effects of an OPP strategy on technological performance in terms of creating shared value (CSV). A panel regression was performed to compare the technological performance of firms in the open invention network (OIN), which is a Linux industry OPP, to those of non-OIN firms using their patent data. Our results demonstrate that the leading groups in the OIN achieved innovation by having more patent applications, forward citations, and collaborative activities than non-participants. Furthermore, OIN firms play a more significant role in promoting knowledge spillovers than non-participants. We demonstrate the positive effects of an OPP strategy on innovation by empirically measuring the technological performance of CSV strategies. Our findings provide insights for institutions that consider implementing an OPP strategy for innovation, including other types of open innovation.

Open Educational Resources through the European Lens: Pedagogical Opportunities and Copyright Constraints

[Giulia Priora and Giovanna Carloni] Abstract: The adoption of Open Educational Resources (OERs) in schools and universities is a phenomenon on the rise also in Europe. Increasingly relying on digital, open, freely adaptable materials that are specifically designed for educational purposes is not only a response to the disruptions brought by the Covid-19 pandemic, but a consistent policy step towards a more inclusive, diverse, and quality education in the EU. The article examines the potential and constraints of OERs from both a pedagogical and legal perspective.

Wikipedia Is Built On The Public Domain

[Stephen LaPorte] Wikipedia is built to be shared and remixed. This is possible, in part, thanks to the incredible amount of material that is available in the public domain. The public domain refers to a wide range of creations that are not restricted by copyright, and can be used freely by anyone... There are three basic ways that material commonly enters the public domain.

Access Shrugged: The Decline of the Copyleft and the Rise of Utilitarian Openness

[Aram Sinnreich, Patricia Aufderheide, Maggie Clifford and Saif Shahin] Abstract: This article maps patterns of interest in key terms associated with copyright and online culture in the US context. Using exploratory factor analysis of data from Google Trends, authors examined patterns in keyword searches between 2004 and 2019... These data show empirically that the public curiosity about alternatives to strict copyright have changed during the study period. Earlier, more idealistic movements contrast with later, more practical approaches.

Reconceptualizing Open Access to Theses and Dissertations

[Orit Fischman Afori and Dalit Ken-Dror Feldman] Abstract: The global COVID-19 crisis has turned public attention to the special need for accessing cutting-edge studies that are needed for further scientific innovation. Theses and dissertations (TD) are prominent examples of cutting-edge innovative studies. TD are academic research projects conducted by graduate students to acquire a high academic degree, such as a PhD. They encompass not only knowledge about basic science but also knowledge that generates social and economic value for society. Therefore, access to TD is imperative for promoting science and innovation.

Access Shrugged:The Decline of the Copyleft and the Rise of Utilitarian Openness

[Aram Sinnreich, Patricia Aufderheide, Maggie Clifford and Saif Shahin] Abstract: This article maps patterns of interest in key terms associated with copyright and online culture in the US context. Using exploratory factor analysis of data from Google Trends, authors examined patterns in keyword searches between 2004–2019. The data show three distinct periods of interest. The first period consists of utopian, cause-driven search terms; the second marks a rise and eventual decline in creatively motivated, maker-fueled searches; and the third is characterized by rising utilitarian and institutional interest in accessible copyrighted material. These data show empirically that the public curiosity about alternatives to strict copyright have changed during the study period. Earlier, more idealistic movements contrast with later, more pragmatic approaches.

Now available: Open educational resource of Building Legal Literacies for Text Data Mining

[Timothy Vollmer] Last summer we hosted the Building Legal Literacies for Text Data Mining (LLTDM) institute... the participants and project team reconvened in February 2021 to discuss how participants had been thinking about, performing, or supporting TDM in their home institutions and projects with the law and policy literacies in mind. To maximize the reach and impact of Building LLTDM, we have now published a comprehensive open educational resource (OER) of the contents of the institute. The OER covers copyright (both U.S. and international law), technological protection measures, privacy, and ethical considerations.

Jorge Contreras Dicsusses the Open Covid Pledge on NPR’s “Academic Minute”

On April 7, Jorge Contreras was featured on NPR's "Academic Minute" podcast to discuss the Open Covid Pledge. Excerpt: "In early March 2020, along with news reports about the rapid spread of COVID-19 and its serious health effects, stories began to emerge that patents could hinder vaccine and drug research, as well as the manufacture and supply of products necessary to contain the pandemic and treat those with the disease."

Open Education Lightning Talks: Recordings and Slides

[Cable Green] In December, the CC Open Education Platform hosted a series of open education “lightning talks” (7 minutes + Q&A) in which open education practitioners discussed their work and answered questions with a global audience. We are grateful to all 24 speakers for sharing their open education work. To maximize access, we recorded all of the talks with the permission of the speakers. Many of the speakers have also shared their slides and other resources.

Copyright Law and the Creative Industries – QUT Faculty of Law – 29 October 2020

[Research Symposium, QUT Faculty of Law, 29 October 2020] This event focused upon copyright law and the creative industries. It brought together legal scholars, policy-makers, and practitioners; creative artists from an array of disciplines; as well as theorists of new media and digital technologies. The event considered the origins of copyright law, policy, and practice. Speakers explored their recent historical work about the foundation and evolution of copyright law and policy.