Copyright Applied to Music and Computers: Peer-to-Peer File Sharing

This module examines how copyright law applies specifically to music and computer technologies, with a focus on peer-to-peer file sharing. Topics include:

• The impact of file-sharing platforms like Napster and Grokster
• Legal challenges and outcomes related to copyright infringement
• Best practices for copyright compliance in digital spaces

Students will explore both the opportunities and challenges presented by technology in the realm of copyright law.

Course Lectures

• Introduction to the Basics of Legal Research and Legal Citations

  Keith Winstein

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  This module focuses on the fundamentals of legal research and the importance of legal citations in the field of copyright law. Participants will learn:

  • How to conduct effective legal research
  • The structure and purpose of legal citations
  • Resources available for legal research, including databases

  By the end of this module, students will be equipped with the skills necessary to navigate legal texts and references confidently.

• The 1976 Copyright Act

  Keith Winstein

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  This module delves into the 1976 Copyright Act, the cornerstone of U.S. copyright law. Key aspects covered include:

  • The historical context and evolution of copyright law in the U.S.
  • Major provisions of the Copyright Act
  • How the Act applies to various forms of media

  Students will gain insights into the implications of the Act for creators and users alike, setting the stage for further exploration of copyright issues.

• Copyright Applied to Music and Computers: Peer-to-Peer File Sharing

  Keith Winstein

  Playing

  This module examines how copyright law applies specifically to music and computer technologies, with a focus on peer-to-peer file sharing. Topics include:

  • The impact of file-sharing platforms like Napster and Grokster
  • Legal challenges and outcomes related to copyright infringement
  • Best practices for copyright compliance in digital spaces

  Students will explore both the opportunities and challenges presented by technology in the realm of copyright law.

• Software Liscensing: DVDs and Encryption

  Keith Winstein

  Play

  This module focuses on software licensing, particularly in relation to DVDs and encryption technologies. Key topics include:

  • The legal framework governing software licenses
  • Encryption and its implications for copyright protection
  • Understanding the GNU® General Public License and its significance

  Students will learn about the balance between protecting intellectual property and allowing access through licensing agreements.