Copyright - the publisher/user relationship

Abstract

Electronic publishing introduces a new relationship between the publisher and the user. Copyright problems brought about by photocopying have been heightened by technological advance. Various control mechanisms for copyright protection, like collective licensing, have been adopted. Such measures are unavoidable today because the investment needed for electronic publishing can only be recovered if the copyright owner can obtain compensation, i.e. reasonable fees. The market though, tries to resist the introduction of control mechanisms, even though it should be acknowl-edged that it is in its interest to accept licensing systems. Sooner or later, the user will be willing to pay for information. Control of use can be accomplished by statutory systems, or by collective or individual licensing. A means has to be found so that collecting societies do not violate the publishers' interests and that publishers themselves determine the fees for using or copying individual publications. Control systems should consider this carefully. Effective operation of copyright can only be realized with the cooperation of interested parties.