Copyright law is not the most interesting topic to discuss. It is, however, more important than many of us realize. Without it, we would end up fighting over who owns what and what constitutes fair use, and spending all our time trying defend our ideas or intellectual property.

People worked hard to create everything we love in life. This includes the music we listen and the books and magazines that we read. It is our responsibility to credit those who have contributed.

Copyright law is something that we take for granted most of the time or don’t pay any attention to very often. Copyright Law Day is an opportunity to reflect on what the world would look like if it didn’t protect our rights in the ideas and products you create.

Copyright was originally limited to books. British Statute of Anne 1710 was the first ever copyright statute. The British Statute of Anne 1710 was the first copyright statute. It was almost 250 years ago.

Nowadays, it is less important than ever to choose which country or territory people who create copyright laws live in. Most countries have agreed on the majority of aspects of standard copyright laws. A copyright is usually valid for fifty years to one hundred years after its creator’s death.

Internet piracy, which is illegal downloading of works without having to pay creators, has been a popular way to avoid paying them. This is a form copyright infringement and is severely affecting many industries due to the large number of people who use Internet piracy worldwide. A Guardian article published in May 2014 claims that the movie industry loses approximately US$20.5 million annually to internet pirates. Illegal downloading has also impacted the software industry.

Copyright Law Day can be celebrated by thinking of a way you can show gratitude to those who created the computer programs, literature, music, or art you enjoy. This is easy to do by making a firm commitment to pay for everything and everyone they create. Fair and square.

Respect the creators of everything you love and encourage your family and friends to do the same. Although copyright infringement may not be what you want, it is a way of denying creative people the rewards they deserve.