Copyright Theft in the 20th Century

What is copyright crime?

Copyright is the right of an individual, collective or company to be recognised - and paid - as the owner (and often creator) of a work. Copyright theft is the use of works without the owner's permission.

How has copyright crime changed?

Copyright crime has changed in 4 key ways in the modern period:

• ❖ There are examples of this crime as far back as the 18th century, but the modern period has seen it increase due to modern technology.
• ❖ In the 20th century copyright theft could involve making a copy of a book, a cassette of music or a video recording of a film without paying the creator/owner.
• ❖ In the 21st century, copyright theft is committed when people illegally download music, computer games, films and television shows, or make copies of them. They sometimes then make them available to third parties.
• ❖ The internet makes it easier for people to access a huge selection of media more quickly than ever before.