Digital Rights Management

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses that a major battle is under way over the issue of DRM, a technological fix imposed by major corporations to protect their software. The writer notes that the development of the Internet and all computer technology has altered the normal relationship between the producers and creators of music, films and even computer software and the consumer to such a degree that the corporations that control these products have sought ways of restoring the balance in their favor. The writer points out that DRM is one such method of protecting copyrighted material from digital copying and transmission. The writer concludes that most content producers are behind the curve on the use of technology for their benefit, and DRM only puts them further behind while harming the consumer and creating unnecessary ill will.

Outline:
Introduction
DRM
Copyright
File Sharing Services
Future Concerns
Effects
The Consumer
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Digital Rights Management refers to coders and the like that are embedded in CDs and films to prevent consumers from copying music or films and from disseminating these products over the Internet. It also refers to the way music sold online is coded so it cannot be transferred to a different computer and may not be able to be played more than a certain number of times before it degrades. DRM might be one sort of protection when it is announced so that the consumer knows what he or she is purchasing and knows the limitations being placed on the purchase. It is quite another thing when DRM is embedded secretly so that the consumer does not know about these limitations. The latter was part of the problem with certain CDs sold by Sony a few years ago, and the DRM interfered even with normal play on some computers."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cayne, B. and Jessica Azulay. (2005, July 14). "File Sharing Cases Heading Back to Lower Court." The New Standard (14 Juloy 2005). April 25, 2007. http://newstandardnews.net/content/?action=show_item&itemd=1989.
• Dalrymple, Jim. "Jobs: an End to DRM?." Macworld (1 April 2007), April 30, 2007. http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-160716293.html.
• "Digital Rights Management and Copy Protection Schemes." Electronic Freedom Foundation. April 29, 2007. http://www.eff.org/IP/DRM/.
• Gardner, Bonnie. "What's Wrong to Copy Under Copyright?" NEA Today 16(4)(November 1997), 19.
• Green, Hardy and Lorraine Woellert. "Coming to Grips with Grokster." Business Week 3942(11 July 2005). May 1, 2007. http://web27.epnet.com/citation.asp?tb=1&_ug=sid+06E42911%2D3690%2D453.

More papers on Digital Rights Management:

• Analytical Essay # 131445 : "Alternative IPR Systems and Digital Rights Management"
• Essay # 54387 : "Digital Rights Management"
• Essay # 87553 : "DRM"

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