http://www.publicdomainmanifesto.org
"The
public domain, as we understand it, is the wealth of information that
is free from the barriers to access or reuse usually associated with
copyright protection, either because it is free from any copyright
protection or because the right holders have decided to remove these
barriers. It is the raw material from which new knowledge is derived
and new cultural works are created.
"After
decades of measures that have drastically reduced the public domain,
typically by extending the terms of protection, it is time to strongly
reaffirm how much our societies and economies rely on a vibrant and
ever expanding public domain. The role of the public domain, in fact,
already crucial in the past, it is even more important today, as the
Internet and digital technologies enable us to access, use and
re-distribute culture with an ease and a power unforeseeable even just
a generation ago. The Public Domain Manifesto
aims at reminding citizens and policy-makers of a common wealth that,
since it belongs to all, it is often defended by no-one. In a time
where we for the first time in history have the tools to enable direct
access to most of our shared culture and knowledge it is important that
policy makers and citizens strengthen the legal concept that enables
free and unrestricted access and reuse.
"We invite you to read the Manifesto and sign it,
if you wish to show your support. We also invite you to share this site
(http://publicdomainmanifesto.org) with your contacts and friends. The
Public Domain Manifesto is also on Facebook. Also remember to celebrate the Public Domain Day every year on New Year's Day.
Locked
