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Cover of International copyright : $b considered in some of its relations to ethics and political economy

International copyright : $b considered in some of its relations to ethics and political economy

Written by George Haven Putnam

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Copyright, International

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About this book

"International copyright: considered in some of its relations to ethics and political economy" by George Haven Putnam is a scholarly address delivered in the late 19th century, specifically in 1878. This book falls under the category of political economy and legal study, focusing on the implications of copyright law within an international context. It addresses the complexities of literary and intellectual property rights, advocating for the protection of authors' works through international copyright agreements. In this discourse, Putnam examines the historical evolution of copyright law, particularly its economic and ethical ramifications for authors and society. He argues that authors, like other laborers, deserve protection for their creative outputs, as these works are products of intellectual labor comparable to material goods. He critiques the lack of international copyright agreements that disadvantage American authors, highlighting how they lose out on royalties from foreign sales and are unfairly undercut in their own markets by unprotected works from abroad. Throughout his address, Putnam emphasizes the necessity of recognizing literary property as a legitimate legal right essential to ensuring fair compensation for creators and fostering the growth of literature and scholarship on a global scale.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in International copyright : $b considered in some of its relations to ethics and political economy, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • Analytical
  • Persuasive
  • Scholarly

George Haven Putnam's 1878 address, "International Copyright," meticulously examines the ethical and economic imperatives for establishing global copyright protections. As a seminal work in political economy and legal study, it argues for recognizing authors' creative outputs as legitimate intellectual property deserving fair compensation, akin to physical labor. Putnam critiques the absence of international agreements, which he contends not only disadvantages American authors by denying them foreign royalties but also undermines domestic markets with unprotected foreign works. The discourse underscores the crucial role of robust international copyright in fostering literary and scholarly growth worldwide by ensuring creators receive just remuneration for their intellectual contributions.

“The product of the brain is as truly property as the product of the hand.”

Key themes

Intellectual Property Rights
This is the central theme, exploring the fundamental concept that creative works (literary, artistic) are legitimate forms of property. Putnam argues for their recognition, protection, and the right of creators to control and profit from them. He distinguishes between the physical medium and the intellectual content, asserting the latter's proprietary nature.
Ethical Compensation for Labor
Putnam frames copyright not just as a legal technicality but as a moral imperative. He argues that it is ethically wrong for authors not to be compensated for their intellectual labor, comparing it to stealing the wages of any other worker. This theme underscores the inherent fairness and justice in rewarding creative effort.
Economic Impact on Authors and Publishing
Beyond ethics, Putnam meticulously details the economic consequences of inadequate copyright protection. He illustrates how the lack of international agreements leads to lost royalties for authors, unfair competition from pirated or freely reprinted foreign works, and ultimately, a detrimental effect on the economic viability of the publishing industry and the livelihood of writers.

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How do Putnam's ethical arguments for intellectual property rights resonate or differ from modern perspectives on creative ownership?

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