Lessig, first and foremost, pushes for the deregulation of amateur activity or remixing (Lessig 254). This indicates that non-commercial and amateur usage of the work is not covered by copyright. This method relieves corporations of the burden of monitoring content misuse. The second change entails decriminalizing copying. The author advises that the law stop putting so much attention on the copy. Instead, it should concentrate on actual uses, such as public transmission and any other activity related to the economic reasons protected by copyright law (Lessig 268). The third option is to make the system simpler (Lessig 266). As such, the prevalent, complex laws concerning regulation should be clarified in a manner that is understood by virtually everyone who is likely to be affected. The fourth strategy is to have a clear title. Since at the moment there is no complete registry concerning ownership rights, it is important for owners to register their creations for use in the public domain. Digital archives best support this move and also fosters access especially during learning (Lessig 260). Lastly, decriminalization of file sharing goes a long way to ensuring efficient copyright law. Non-commercial file sharing can be authorized, albeit with some dissemination fee or tax attached. This amount would be necessary to cover the owner’s royalty. Another option in this method involves allowing users to buy rights at a low cost enabling them to share files freely (Lessig 271).
Reformations other than the Law
The public and in particular the individual needs reform. The current norms need to be replaced with a new set of principles and judgments that will assist in the development of hybrid economies (Lessig 274). Without this personal yet widespread change in the perception and practices concerning copyright, then the law alone is not enough.
Repercussions of Failure to Reform
Failure to modify the law and the people’s norms will eventually make it difficult for more creativity and innovation. Economically, the copyright issue leads to lack of motivation to produce simply because there is no attached monetary incentive. In other words, if these reforms are ignored then certain types of innovations or creative works will be suppressed while the economy will suffer significant harm (Lessig 289).
Works Cited
Lessig, Lawrence. Making Art and Commerce Thrive in the Hybrid Economy. London: Boomsbury Publishing, 2008.
