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Piracy, Imitation, and Optimal Copyright Policy

Author

Listed:
  • T. Randolph Beard
  • George S. Ford
  • Gilad Sorek
  • Lawrence J. Spiwak
Abstract
This article presents a model of optimal copyright policy which incorporates several realistic features which have hitherto been largely ignored. First, although copyright is understood as a means of encouraging the creation of new works, the optimal number of such works is generally not considered. Second, copyright infringement encompasses two different activities subsumed under the same legal umbrella: One might either “pirate” (i.e., illegally copy) a work or one might create a “new” work which is a close imitation of an existing one. The mutual recognition of these two features leads to some surprising conclusions relevant to current debate over copyright reform. In particular, while strong piracy protection encourages overproduction of intellectual property, enhanced protection against imitation can mitigate the associated inefficiencies, benefitting society.

Suggested Citation

  • T. Randolph Beard & George S. Ford & Gilad Sorek & Lawrence J. Spiwak, 2018. "Piracy, Imitation, and Optimal Copyright Policy," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 84(3), pages 815-830, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:soecon:v:84:y:2018:i:3:p:815-830
    DOI: 10.1002/soej.12251
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    References listed on IDEAS

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