The Internet unleashed unprecedented collaboration and sharing! But...

vs.

vs.

...Copyright law is designed to restrict sharing.

In 1998, the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act (CTEA) extended copyright by 20 years!

CTEA?! More like the "Mickey Mouse Protection Act"!

Eric Aldred (pictured above with James Boyle) and Lawrence Lessig fought back challenging the constitutionality of CTEA, bringing their case all the way to the US Supreme Court.

They lost

Eric Aldred (pictured above with James Boyle) and Lawrence Lessig fought back challenging the constitutionality of CTEA, bringing their case all the way to the US Supreme Court.

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Rising like a Phoenix from the ashes, Lessig and others were inspired to create a non profit organization - Creative Commons!

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In the fight to harness the sharing potential of the internet, they created unique weapons designed to create rather than destroy - THE CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSES.

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In the fight to harness the sharing potential of the internet, they created unique weapons designed to create rather than destroy - THE CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSES.

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These "creation weapons" democratize sharing globally for all who want more flexible terms than the default of "all rights reserved".

More than 1.4 billion graphics, photos, videos, journals, books, and more are being shared using CC licenses.

1.4 Billion!

More than 1.4 billion graphics, photos, videos, journals, books, and more are being shared using CC licenses.

1.4 Billion!

When we share everyone wins...

The global network includes many volunteers and a small staff of the non profit. Together they work on the technology, licenses, and supporting the movement.

The Creative Commons global network is a community dedicated to collaborations and connections created around shared content.

The Creative Commons needs you! Join today to fight for the freedom to create, collaborate and share.

The global network includes many volunteers and a small staff of the non profit. Together they work on the technology, licenses, and supporting the movement.

The Creative Commons global network is a community dedicated to collaborations and connections created around shared content.

The Creative Commons needs you! Join today to fight for the freedom to create, collaborate and share.

The End?

Attribution

Lawrence Lessig photo by Joi Ito CC BY 2.0

Knowledge-sharing image by Ansonlobo CC BY-SA 4.0

A copyright will protect you from pirates image by Ioan Sameli CC BY-SA 2.0

Korea_President_Park_US_Congress_20130507_03 photo by Republic of Korea CC BY-SA 2.0