Going Beyond Copyright – DRM and Tech Mandates

Digital technology has been a great boon for artists allowing them to break free from the stranglehold of traditional models of distribution. But many content owners are concerned that this technology may be used as a tool for infringement. To counter this perceived threat, copyright owners have turned to technological means to prevent the recording and transfer of digital content. However, these means operate outside the confines of traditional copyright law, thereby bypassing doctrines such as fair use which are central to copyright law.