Title
A better copyright system? comparing welfare of indefinitely renewable copyright versus fixed-length copyright
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Economics of Innovation and New Technology
Publication Date
1-1-2006
Abstract
This study models and simulates fixed-length copyright (FLC) and indefinitely renewable copyright (IRC) and compares their social welfare. Evidence is found suggesting that IRC has lower maximal social welfare than FLC does. This difference can be explained by the way copyright duration is determined. Copyright duration represents the balance between encouraging creation and reducing restrictions on the consumption of information products. Under FLC, copyright duration is chosen directly by legislation; under IRC, it is induced indirectly through a copyright fee. However, the imposition of a copyright fee distorts the behavior of creators and thus decreases social welfare. © 2006 Taylor & Francis.
Volume
15
Issue
6
First Page
519
Last Page
542
DOI
10.1080/10438590500284493
Recommended Citation
Yuan, M. (2006). A better copyright system? comparing welfare of indefinitely renewable copyright versus fixed-length copyright. Economics of Innovation and New Technology, 15 (6), 519-542. https://doi.org/10.1080/10438590500284493
ISSN
10438599
E-ISSN
14768364
