copyright topics for research

Copyright Dissertation Topics

Copyright Dissertation Topics – Copyright law is a dynamic field that plays a vital role in protecting intellectual property rights. For students pursuing a dissertation in copyright law or related disciplines, selecting an engaging and relevant topic is crucial. This article presents 20 copyright dissertation topics that can serve as a starting point for in-depth research. These topics cover various aspects of copyright law, including international perspectives, emerging technologies, and societal impacts. Each topic offers an opportunity to contribute to the existing body of knowledge in this field and address contemporary issues in copyright law.

Sure! Here are 20 Copyright dissertation topics:

• The Impact of Digital Piracy on the Music Industry: A Comparative Study of Legal Measures and their Effectiveness.
• Copyright and Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities in the Age of Machine Learning.
• Copyright Protection for Virtual Reality Content: Balancing Creativity and Consumer Access.
• The Role of Fair Use in Copyright Law: An Analysis of Recent Legal Cases and Implications for Creative Industries.
• Copyright Infringement in the Digital Age: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Digital Rights Management (DRM) Technologies.
• The Copyright Implications of 3D Printing: Examining the Balance between Innovation and Protection.
• The Role of Copyright in Protecting Traditional Cultural Expressions: A Comparative Study.
• Copyright and Educational Institutions: Analyzing the Challenges and Opportunities for Digital Learning.
• Copyright and User-Generated Content: Balancing the Rights of Creators and Consumers in Online Platforms.
• Copyright and Artificial Intelligence Music Composition: Evaluating the Legal and Ethical Dimensions.
• Copyright and Open Access: Exploring the Impacts of Open Licensing Models on Scholarly Communication.
• Copyright and Social Media: Analyzing the Legal Issues Surrounding the Use of Copyrighted Content on Platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
• Copyright Infringement in the Film Industry: Investigating the Role of Digital Streaming Platforms.
• Copyright and Cultural Heritage Institutions: Examining the Challenges and Solutions in Digitizing and Preserving Copyrighted Works.
• Copyright and Video Game Development: Analyzing the Legal Framework for Protecting Game Elements.
• Copyright and Text and Data Mining: Assessing the Legal Implications for Researchers and Data Analysts.
• Copyright and the Publishing Industry: Examining the Impact of E-books and Self-Publishing on Copyright Law.
• Copyright and the Film Industry: Investigating the Legal Challenges in the Production and Distribution of Films.
• Copyright and Artificial Intelligence Image Recognition: Evaluating the Copyright Implications for Image Databases.
• Copyright and Streaming Services: Analyzing the Legal and Economic Aspects of Licensing Content for Online Platforms.

Remember to choose a topic that aligns with your interests and the availability of research materials. Good luck with your dissertation!

Conclusion:

These 20 copyright dissertation topics offer diverse avenues for exploring contemporary issues in copyright law. By addressing challenges posed by digital technologies, artificial intelligence, cultural heritage preservation, fair use in new media, and open access publishing, these topics contribute to the understanding and development of copyright law in an ever-changing landscape. Researchers can choose a topic that aligns with their interests and embark on an in-depth analysis of the chosen area, shedding light on the complexities and potential solutions within copyright law.

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• University of Michigan Library
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Copyright Basics

• Related Topics
• Copyrightability
• Duration & Formalities
• Who Holds Copyright
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Copyright Questions?

The University of Michigan Library Copyright Office provides help with copyright questions for University of Michigan faculty, staff and students. Please email us with questions or visit our website for more information.

Legal Advice

The information presented here is intended for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have specific legal questions pertaining to the University of Michigan, please contact the Office of the General Counsel .

If you require legal advice in your personal capacity, the lawyer referral services operated by the Washtenaw County Bar Association and the State Bar of Michigan may be helpful to you.

Other Topics Related to Copyright

While the rest of this guide focuses on copyright, this page outlines major related topics: prohibitions on the  circumvention of technical protection measures  and the removal of copyright management information , contracts that impose additional limitations of your use of certain materials, privacy law, and plagiarism .

Circumvention of Copyright Protection Systems

Even when copyright law permits your use of a work, it may be illegal to circumvent an access-control technology to make that use.

17 U.S.C. § 1201 prohibits the circumvention of any technological measure that “effectively controls access” to a work that is protected under U.S. copyright law. For instance, it is generally illegal under this provision to circumvent the Content Scramble System that restricts access to in-copyright works on some DVDs. This is known as the anti-circumvention provision of section 1201. Section 1201 also prohibits trafficking in tools that circumvent effective access controls or circumvent controls that protect “a right of the copyright holder under this title.” That is known as the anti-trafficking provision.

Every three years, the Library of Congress and the U.S. Copyright Office create exemptions to the anti-circumvention provision. The most recent exemptions were issued in 2015. Some other anti-circumvention exceptions are written into the statute, including exceptions for encryption researchers and law enforcement officers.

For information about the current exceptions, please consult the following resources.

• 2015 Exemptions to Anti-Circumvention Provision of the Copyright Act This page contains the full text of the 2015 exemptions created by the Librarian of Congress.
• New DMCA Exemptions This blog post from Ohio State's Copyright Resources Center explains the 2015 rules.

Copyright Management Information

Even when copyright law permits your use of a work, it is illegal to remove or alter copyright management information without the authority of the copyright holder or the law, “knowing, or . . . having reasonable grounds to know, that it will induce, enable, facilitate, or conceal an infringement of any right under this title.” The same section of the law, 17 U.S.C. § 1202 , outlaws providing false copyright management information and distributing, importing for distribution, or public performing works knowing their copyright management information has been falsified or removed.

The law defines “copyright management information” as:

any of the following information conveyed in connection with copies or phonorecords of a work or performances or displays of a work, including in digital form, except that such term does not include any personally identifying information about a user of a work or of a copy, phonorecord, performance, or display of a work: The title and other information identifying the work, including the information set forth on a notice of copyright. The name of, and other identifying information about, the author of a work. The name of, and other identifying information about, the copyright owner of the work, including the information set forth in a notice of copyright. With the exception of public performances of works by radio and television broadcast stations, the name of, and other identifying information about, a performer whose performance is fixed in a work other than an audiovisual work. With the exception of public performances of works by radio and television broadcast stations, in the case of an audiovisual work, the name of, and other identifying information about, a writer, performer, or director who is credited in the audiovisual work. Terms and conditions for use of the work. Identifying numbers or symbols referring to such information or links to such information. Such other information as the Register of Copyrights may prescribe by regulation, except that the Register of Copyrights may not require the provision of any information concerning the user of a copyrighted work.

Contractual Limitations

Sometimes contract law will prevent you from making uses that copyright law would permit. Be aware that you could be limiting your options when you agree to contract terms. Contract may limit your ability to use items you accessed subject to an end user license agreement or a service’s terms of use, such as software or media files. For more information about terms of use, you may wish to consult Terms of Service; Didn’t Read , a project that rates and provides information about website terms of service.

Contract may also limit your ability to use items that your institution or your employer has licensed for your use, such as electronic resources paid for by a research library. It may also limit your ability to use items that you accessed under an agreement governing the use of archival or special collections materials.

Oftentimes, copying and sharing materials implicates privacy law in addition to or instead of copyright. For example, research in many fields (e.g., medicine, sociology, education, and public policy) may include information about individuals that is protected by federal or state privacy law. Even when privacy law does not prohibit sharing certain materials, doing so may still violate ethical norms in your field or commitments you have made to research subjects. As a result, it is important to learn about privacy law and to follow the best practices of your discipline.

For more information about privacy and research data at the University of Michigan, you may wish to consult the website of the Human Research Protection Program . For more information about privacy law in the United States, you may wish to consult the article on privacy in Wex , an online legal dictionary and encyclopedia hosted by Cornell University’s Legal Information Institute.

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) governs release of and access to student records. When works used include student educational information, it's important to consider FERPA before providing access to them. For more information on FERPA, please consult The University of Michigan Student Rights and Student Records .

Copyright infringement and plagiarism are related but distinct concepts. Plagiarism is using the work of another without attribution. Copyright infringement is the reproduction, modification, distribution, public performance, or public display of a copyrighted work without the permission of the rightsholder that does not fall under fair use or another exception to copyright law. It is possible to plagiarize even when copyright allows you to use the work. Similarly, it is possible to infringe copyright even when you have given careful attribution.

Resources on Plagiarism

• Academic Integrity, University of Michigan Library This site was created by the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching and the University Library. It contains information about avoiding, preventing, and detecting plagiarism.
• SPG 303.03 Policy Statement on the Integrity of Scholarship and Procedures for Investigating Allegations of Misconduct in the Pursuit of Scholarship and Research SPG 303.03 is the University of Michigan's policy on scholarly misconduct such as plagiarism, fabrication of data, and dishonesty in publication.
• Honor Codes at the University of Michigan This page links to the academic integrity policies for all of the University of Michigan’s schools and colleges.

U-M Consent to Photograph or Record

When videotaping or recording individuals for certain purposes it may be appropriate to have them sign a consent form.

• Style Guide: Boilerplates from U-M Global Communications On this page, Global Communications explains when it is necessary to obtain consent to record or photograph people.
• Consent to Photograph or Record Electronically (PDF) This is the standard recording consent form used at U-M, approved by the General Counsel's office.

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Copyright Law Research Guide

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Database Quick Links

These pages collect primary and secondary copyright-related materials.  Note that secondary source selections, like texts & treatises, will be different on each database, so it's ideal not to limit your research to just one.

• Bloomberg Law: Trademarks & Copyright Practice Center
• Westlaw: Intellectual Property Resources
• Lexis: Copyright Law Resources

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Introduction

With the information explosion of the 21st century, copyright law is now considered a central element of the nation's information economy. Whether the issue is downloading music or distance education, traditional copyright principles are being applied to new technologies in a way few could have predicted. 

This research guide helps its readers select useful print and electronic materials on the American copyright law. The guide focuses on the Copyright Act of 1976, but refers to other intellectual property fields and international copyright where applicable.   We usually recommend starting your research with secondary sources  such as treatises or legal encyclopedias.   Practitioner tools, journals, and news sources that cover copyright issues are also discussed on that page. 

This research guide also includes information on  federal statutory and regulatory sources of American copyright law (including copyright legislation), guidance on finding case law ,  and information about  copyright organizations and associations  (a list of government, private and advocacy organizations that deal with copyright issues).   This page provides a  few introductory tips on starting research into copyright law, including links to some of the most useful pages on the U.S. Copyright Office's website .

United States Copyright Office

The  U.S. Copyright Office  website is a good, introductory source of information about U.S. copyright law and how to register a work. From the site, you can download forms (many of which you can complete online before you print them out), instructions, legislative information, and primers on the Copyright Act and how it applies to different types of works. 

The following pages may be particularly helpful:

• Copyright Basics This document is a useful introduction to American copyright law and process. It explains a number of topics, including what copyright is, what copyright protects, the scope of copyright's notification provisions, and how long copyright lasts. It is also available in Spanish .
• Circulars and Fact Sheets U.S. Copyright Office Circulars and fact sheets are short, introductory, plain language documents providing information on specific topics, such as registration procedures, fees, notice, and more.
• Frequently Asked Questions Provides basic information about copyright law and the U.S. Copyright Office and its operations.
• Copyright Laws Provides all of Title 17 of the United States Code. Users can download the entire Title or specific chapters.
• Copyright Registrations (Copyright Catalog) The Copyright Office allows users to search registrations and ownership documents from 1978 to the present. For more information, especially on researching pre-1978 records, see Circular 22: How to Investigate the Copyright Status of a Work .
• Legislative Developments Pending & enacted copyright legislation.
• The Compendium of U.S. Copyright Office Practices (3rd ed.) The governing administrative manual for registrations and recordations. The Third Edition (with an update effective as of January 28, 2021) represents the first comprehensive overhaul and restatement of the Copyright Office’s practices and standards in over 25 years.
• The Copyright Office Fair Use Index This resource provides summaries of major fair use judicial decisions, which are searchable by court and subject matter, including category and type of use. For a brief introduction to and overview of the Fair Use Index, see our old blog, Due Process .
• Public Records System - Pilot A pilot that is running in parallel with the Copyright Public Catalog (above). Contains the same information from 1978-present that appears in the official Copyright Public Catalog, but with a more powerful search engine, new filtering capabilities, and a new design.

Law Library Reference

Reference Desk : Atrium, 2nd (Main) Floor (202) 662-9140 Request a Research Consultation  

Print materials & major texts.

Generally, the library keeps its print collection of copyright law material in call numbers KF2986-3080 .

The leading treatise on U.S. copyright law is Nimmer on Copyright , which is available electronically only on  Lexis .  For other treatises and study aids on copyright law, both print and electronic, refer to the secondary sources page of this guide.  You may also find our  intellectual property treatise finder  helpful.

Update History

Updated 2/2022 

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Research Papers

The table below is a list of research papers and copyright reports on various copyright topics. The copyright reports, articles and papers below are written by a wide array of scholars and organizations that we trust to deliver credible, relevant, and interesting information relating to important copyright legal and policy issues. These are mostly academic papers and not intended for individual creators.

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Copyright in Research Methodology

Do you know what is copyright in research methodology?

In an age where information is currency and the production of knowledge is ever-accelerating, the realms of copyright and research methodology intertwine in fascinating and often complex ways.

How do we toe the line between building upon the intellectual work of others and outright plagiarism? Where does methodology—a foundational pillar of all research—fit into this landscape?

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Research shapes the backbone of advancements in numerous fields, from medicine and technology to social sciences and humanities.

Central to this research is the methodology—the detailed process and procedures researchers use to gather and analyze information.

With the rise of digital technology and an increasingly collaborative global research environment, the question has emerged: Can, and should, research methodologies be copyrighted?

1. What is Copyright?

At its core, copyright is a form of legal protection provided to the creators of “original works of authorship.”

This protection extends to literature, music, and certain other intellectual works, granting the creator exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, and display the said work.

2. Research Methodology: A Creative Process

Unlike specific data, results, or even research instruments, a methodology is a process—a way of doing something.

While it might seem more abstract, developing a unique and effective research methodology often requires significant creativity and innovation.

Does this make it eligible for copyright protection ?

In general, ideas, processes, systems, and methods are not covered by copyright.

The U.S. Copyright Office, for instance, has made it clear that copyright doesn’t protect the idea itself but rather the way it is expressed.

Therefore, while a detailed description or illustration of a research method in a journal article could be copyrighted, the method itself remains in the public domain.

3. Protecting Intellectual Efforts

While copyright might not be the weapon of choice for protecting methodologies, researchers are not entirely unarmed.

Patents, for example, provide protection for new and useful processes, machines, and compositions of matter.

In cases where a research methodology has a unique, tangible tool or software, patenting might be a viable option.

Furthermore, contractual agreements can restrict the use or sharing of specific methodologies, especially in private research settings or collaborations.

4. Implications for the Research Community

While protecting intellectual property is crucial, there’s a fine balance to strike. The free flow of ideas and methodologies is what drives research forward.

Overly restrictive protection could stifle innovation and collaboration.

It’s essential for the research community to navigate this balance, ensuring that creators are rewarded for their contributions without impeding the broader advancement of knowledge.

Copyright for Research Topics – Copyright in Research Methodology

The concept of copyrighting has, for many years, been associated with the tangible – books, music, art, and more recently, digital content.

Yet, as research expands its horizons and delves deeper into both explored and uncharted domains, questions arise: Can a research topic be copyrighted? How does one protect intellectual exploration?

1. Understanding Copyright

Before we delve into the specifics of research topics, let’s understand what copyright entails.

Copyright is a legal protection granted to original creations of authorship, allowing the creator the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and, in some cases, adapt their work.

2. Can Research Topics Be Copyrighted?

Simply put, no.It protects the expression of these ideas.

So while an extensive research paper, a detailed thesis, or a comprehensive report on a topic can be copyrighted, the topic itself cannot.

For instance, if you’re researching the impact of digital technology on human behavior, the specific way you articulate your findings, arguments, and conclusions can be copyrighted, but the general theme or topic remains open for others to explore and write about.

3. Protecting Your Intellectual Effort

While the research topic can’t be copyrighted, there are mechanisms in place to ensure that individual researchers receive due credit for their work:

Citation and Academic Integrity : Academic traditions emphasize the importance of citation.

By citing sources, researchers give credit to those whose ideas or findings have influenced their work.

This practice, while not a legal mandate, is a cornerstone of academic integrity and can serve as a deterrent against plagiarism.

Publication: Publishing your research in reputable journals or books can establish a record of your original contributions to a field.

While it won’t stop others from exploring the same topic, it provides evidence of your pioneering work.

Contracts and Agreements: In collaborative research settings, researchers can use contracts or non-disclosure agreements to ensure that shared information or co-developed content remains confidential or is used in an agreed-upon manner.

4. The Broader Implication for Research

The freedom to explore any research topic is fundamental to academic progress. Imagine if topics were cordoned off, restricted to only those who laid claim to them first.

The pace of scientific discovery and intellectual growth would slow dramatically.

By ensuring that topics remain free while expressions of research findings are protected, the academic community fosters a landscape ripe for exploration, collaboration, and innovation.

Intellectual Property Rights of Research Owners

The intricate world of research does not merely stand on the pillar of knowledge generation; it also navigates the complex terrain of intellectual property (IP).

While the pursuit of knowledge is paramount, safeguarding one’s findings, methodologies, and innovations is equally critical.

But what are the rights of those who own or commission research? Let’s unravel the tapestry of intellectual property rights as they pertain to research owners.

1. Defining Intellectual Property (IP)

Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, and names and images used in commerce. IP is divided into two categories:

Industrial Property: This includes patents for inventions, trademarks, industrial designs, and geographical indications.

Copyright: This covers literary works (like novels and poems), films, music, artistic works (e.g., drawings, paintings, photographs, and sculptures), and architectural designs.

2. Rights of Research Owners

a. Patent Rights:

If a research endeavor results in a new, original, and useful process, machine, or composition of matter, it may be patentable.

The patent gives the owner the exclusive right to commercially exploit the invention for a set period (typically 20 years from the filing date). Research owners can license, sell, or otherwise monetize these patents.

b. Copyright:

The actual content produced during the research—like reports, articles, and presentations—is typically protected under copyright.

Research owners have exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, and adapt their copyrighted works. However, the ideas or facts presented in the content are not copyrightable.

c. Trade Secrets:

In some scenarios, research owners might opt to keep their findings or methodologies a secret, especially if they have a commercial edge.

These can be protected as trade secrets. To maintain this status, research owners must take steps to ensure the information remains confidential.

d. Trademarks:

If the research leads to the development of a unique product or service, the name or logo associated with that offering can be trademarked. This helps in brand recognition in the commercial market.

e. Licensing and Royalties:

Research owners can license their IP to third parties, allowing them to use the IP for specific purposes.

In return, the research owner typically receives royalty payments, providing a revenue stream and enabling wider dissemination or application of the research without giving up ownership.

3. Assigning and Transferring IP Rights

IP rights can be assigned or transferred. For instance, a researcher may assign the rights to their institution or to a funding agency.

It’s essential to have clear agreements in place outlining IP ownership before the commencement of a research project.

4. The Ethical Dimension

While IP rights provide a legal framework, the research community also operates on a foundation of trust and ethics.

Properly crediting contributors, acknowledging prior work, and ensuring transparency in publication and commercialization efforts are all crucial for maintaining the integrity of the research ecosystem.

Copyright Law for Research Methodology

When discussing copyright law in the context of research methodology, it’s essential to consider various facets that intersect with the process of research and the presentation of its results. Here’s a brief outline of the critical considerations:

Use of Copyrighted Materials in Research:

Fair Use: In many jurisdictions, researchers can use copyrighted materials under the doctrine of fair use.

This doctrine permits limited use of copyrighted material without acquiring permission from the rights holders.

Quotations and Citations: Proper citation does not absolve researchers from copyright restrictions, but quoting small portions for purposes of commentary, criticism, or scholarship is generally permissible under fair use.

Images, Graphs, and Tables: Reproducing or adapting copyrighted images, graphs, and tables for research may require permission unless it falls under fair use.

Databases and Raw Data:

Some databases and data sets are copyrighted. Even if the individual data points are not copyrightable, the organization, presentation, and selection can be.

Data scraping, or the act of extracting large amounts of data from websites or databases, can run afoul of copyright or terms of service agreements.

Publishing Research:

When publishing research, authors typically transfer copyright to the publisher. However, many researchers are now opting for open access publishing or retaining certain rights to their work.

Publishing agreements should be read carefully. Some publishers permit self-archiving or sharing in repositories, while others do not.

Sharing and Disseminating Research:

Copyright law can impact the sharing of articles, presentations, and other research outputs.

Sharing preprints (versions of the article before peer review) is a way to disseminate findings while avoiding certain copyright restrictions.

Collaborative Works:

When research is produced by multiple authors, it’s essential to clarify ownership and rights upfront.

Collaborative works can lead to joint ownership, which can complicate the usage rights.

Institutional Repository and Theses:

Many academic institutions have repositories where they store and disseminate research produced by their members.

Uploading work here can be subject to copyright restrictions, especially if the work has been published elsewhere.

Dissertations and theses may also be copyrighted. Researchers should be cautious when incorporating other’s works into their thesis or when disseminating their own.

Software and Tools:

In research methodology, especially in fields like computational biology or computer science, the creation of software or tools can be a part of the research output.

This software is often copyrighted, and researchers might choose to release it under specific licenses, such as open-source licenses.

International Considerations:

Copyright law can vary significantly from one country to another.

If research involves international collaboration or is intended for international publication, it’s vital to be aware of relevant international copyright norms.

Researchers should always consult with legal professionals or their institution’s legal counsel when navigating complex copyright issues.

Additionally, it’s essential to promote ethical research practices, respecting the intellectual property rights of others while ensuring the broadest possible dissemination of one’s own research.

Understanding copyright within the realm of research methodology is pivotal for researchers.

Not only does it safeguard the intellectual rights of creators, but it also ensures the ethical utilization and dissemination of knowledge.

As research transcends borders and becomes increasingly digitized, being aware of the nuances in copyright laws across jurisdictions is essential.

Researchers must navigate these regulations diligently, respecting others’ work while optimizing the reach and impact of their own findings.

The interplay between copyright and research underscores the delicate balance between the protection of intellectual property and the free exchange of ideas fundamental to academic progression.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can i use copyrighted materials in my research paper without permission.

Yes, in many cases, you can use copyrighted materials under the doctrine of fair use, especially if it’s for commentary, criticism, or scholarship.

However, it’s essential to ensure the usage is limited and does not replace the market value of the original work.

When in doubt, it’s best to seek permission or legal advice.  

Is every publication copyrighted automatically?

Yes, under many jurisdictions, a work is automatically copyrighted when it’s created and fixed in a tangible form that is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.

You don’t need to register it or display a copyright symbol for it to be copyrighted.

Can I reproduce or adapt figures, graphs, or tables from other research papers into my own work?

However, it’s essential to ensure the usage is limited and does not replace the market value of the original work. When in doubt, it’s best to seek permission or legal advice.  

If I’ve published my research in a journal, can I share it freely online or in academic repositories?

It depends on the agreement you’ve made with the journal publisher. Some publishers retain full copyright and restrict authors from sharing their work elsewhere.

Others might allow self-archiving in institutional repositories or preprint servers. Always review your publishing agreement before sharing.  

Are raw data and databases copyrightable?

While individual data points might not be copyrightable, the organization, presentation, and selection in a database can be protected under copyright.

Data scraping or extracting large amounts of data from websites or databases might also be restricted due to copyright or terms of service agreements.

Further Reading

• What is Not Protected by Copyright: Essential Insights
• Essential Copyright Considerations for Creators
• How to Claim Copyright on YouTube: Essential Steps
• How to Copyright an Event
• Copyright Infringement for Educational Purposes
• How to Copyright a Poster?
• Architectural Copyright Infringement
• Louis Vuitton Copyright Case
• Innocent Copyright Infringement

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Research Process :: Step by Step

• Introduction
• Select Topic
• Identify Keywords
• Background Information
• Develop Research Questions
• Refine Topic
• Search Strategy
• Popular Databases
• Evaluate Sources
• Types of Periodicals
• Reading Scholarly Articles
• Primary & Secondary Sources
• Organize / Take Notes
• Writing & Grammar Resources
• Annotated Bibliography
• Literature Review
• Citation Styles
• Paraphrasing
• Privacy / Confidentiality
• Research Process
• Selecting Your Topic
• Identifying Keywords
• Gathering Background Info
• Evaluating Sources

• creative commons

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US copyright laws are designed to prevent people from copying and distributing other people's work without permission. This includes both paper copies (i.e., photocopies, typewritten copies, etc.) and electronic copies (scanned or uploaded).  In an academic setting there is a fair use exception to the permission requirement, but it is only available if you meet the guidelines. 

Fair Use is a doctrine of the United States copyright law that allows limited use of copyrighted works without seeking permission typically for the purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. In determining whether or not use of a copyrighted work is fair the following factors should be considered:

• the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
• the nature of the copyrighted work;
• the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole;
• and the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work. The fact that a work is unpublished shall not itself bar a finding of fair use if such finding is made upon consideration of all the above factors.
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Research & Private Study

Author: Stavroula Karapapa Illustration: Davide Bonazzi

Students and researchers often need to make use of materials which are copyright protected. In the context of their research or study, they may have to make copies or use extracts of those materials. These activities are at first glance prohibited by copyright law. However, copyright allows making single copies or taking short extracts of works when the use is made for non-commercial research or for private study. The purpose is to provide students and researchers broader access to copyright works.

The exception for research and private study applies to all types of copyright work, and to recordings of performances of works. Importantly, it cannot be overridden by contract. This means that any term of a contract will be unenforceable to the extent that it tries to prevent or restrict copying that is permitted under the exception.

However, fair dealing for research and private study is allowed only if:

1) The purpose of the use is non-commercial research and/or private study 2) The use of the materials is fair 3) The use is made by researchers or students for their own use only 4) Researchers give credit to the copyright holder

The criteria are explained in detail below.

1. The purpose of the use should be non-commercial research and/or private study

Note that research and private study refer to two different kinds of activities. Research includes work that is done by an individual either for the benefit of an organisation or for the promotion of knowledge in general. It often entails a public character in the sense that research may be published. By contrast, private study is made for the individual’s own benefit and it can be part of the pursuit of a formal qualification. The distinction between research and private study is important as fair dealing for non-commercial research is also accompanied with a requirement that the source of the materials is sufficiently acknowledged.

The exception covers only non-commercial research. This is to be understood as research that is not made for profit either directly or indirectly and, hence, commercial researchers are not covered by the exception.

Special rules apply with regards to computer programs. It is not fair dealing to observe, study or test the functioning of a computer program in order to determine the ideas and principles which underlie any element of the program. This activity may be permitted when it takes place while performing the acts of loading, displaying, running, transmitting, or storing the program which the user is entitled to do. It is also not fair dealing to ‘decompile’ a computer program. This activity is only permitted to the extent that it is essential in obtaining information that is necessary to create a new interoperable program.

2. The use of the materials should be fair

There is no legal definition of what is fair or unfair; it is at the court’s discretion based on the individual facts of the case and the purpose for which the material is being used (see: ‘Legal language’ below).

Important factors in assessing whether a particular use is fair or not include: the amount and substantiality of the portion taken; the purpose and character of the use; and whether the work is published or unpublished. If a substantial part is taken, or the purpose of the use is to compete with the other work, or if the work is unpublished, then the use is unlikely to be fair.

When thinking about whether your use is fair, consider if your use of the copyright material would commercially compete with the copyright owner’s exploitation of the material. Are you really using copyright material for non-commercial research or private study, or are you pursuing another purpose? In general, your use of someone else’s work should not conflict with the way in which they normally exploit their work.

Whether your use has any financial impact on the copyright owner will often depend on the amount of their work that you are copying. Consider how much copyright material you have used and its importance. A substantial amount of the material can be used provided it is not excessive and only what is needed for research and study. This issue was discussed in Universities UK Ltd v Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd [2002] E.M.L.R. 35, at § 34. It was found for instance that ‘a student who takes a photocopy for the purposes of his course of a relevant article, or a relevant short passage from a book is likely to do so in circumstances which amount to fair dealing. At the other extreme, if he were to take a photocopy of a whole textbook, we think that his dealing would not be fair, even if done for the purposes of private study’.

3. The use is made by researchers or students for their own use only

The copyright exception is personal and can be invoked as a defence against allegations for infringement only by researchers and students, or by people making copies on their behalf.

For example, a librarian can make a copy of material under the exception if they are satisfied that the person requesting the copy requires it for research or private study, and so long as that person is not provided with more than one article from the same journal or with more than a reasonable proportion of any other published work. Also, the librarian should be careful to make sure that no one is provided with more than one copy of the same material.

Other people acting on behalf of the librarian can also make copies for a researcher or a student, but the exception does not permit making multiple copies for third parties. So, where a person knows or has reason to believe that copies of substantially the same material will be provided to more than one person at substantially the same time, and for substantially the same purpose, they cannot rely on the exception.

Lecturers, for instance, cannot rely on this exception to supply copies of the same journal article to all the students in their class. This was affirmed by a decision of the courts in which it was found that ‘[m]aterials provided by the staff for distribution to a number of students at more or less the same time would not in general amount to fair dealing’. The court continued: ‘If a lecturer were to instruct every member of his class to make copies of the same material, we consider that this too would not be fair dealing. But the mere distribution of a reading list, without any instructions to copy, is not in our view an infringement of copyright at all.’

Universities UK Ltd v Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd [2002] E.M.L.R. 35, at § 35.

4. Researchers ought to give credit to the author

This condition applies only to using work for non-commercial research.

You must include an acknowledgement to identify the creator of the work and the title of the material. It is the author who should be identified and not the owner of the copyright.

This requirement does not always have to be observed. You do not need to include an acknowledgement if it is impossible for reasons of practicality. For instance, certain works may be published anonymously or it may be impossible to ascertain the identity of the author. In this case, you need to demonstrate that you have made reasonable efforts to identify the author.

Legal language:

This is a quote taken from a legal case, where the judge explains what is fair when considering the amount of material used for research or private study.

Forensic Telecommunications Services Ltd v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire [2011] EWHC 2892 (Ch), at § 111

‘Relevant factors to be taken into account in judging whether the dealing was fair have been identified in various cases. None is determinative and the weight to be attached to them will vary from case to case. In particular, the various factors will carry different weight according to the type of dealing. Cases of fair dealing for purposes of criticism, review and the reporting of current events usually raise more difficult problems than cases of non-commercial research and private study. The three most important factors have been identified to be: ( Ashdown v Telegraph Group Ltd [2001] EWCA Civ 1142; [2002] R.P.C. 5; [2002] E.C.D.R. 32)

(1) The degree to which the alleged infringing use competes with exploitation of the copyright work by the owner. This is likely to be a most important factor… (2) Whether the work has been published or not… (3) The extent of the use and the importance of what has been taken. In many cases this will be a highly important factor…’

Legal references:

The law on research and private study in the United Kingdom is found in Section 29 of the Copyright Designs and Patent Act 1988, which you can read here:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/29

The changes to section 29 made by the Copyright and Rights in Performances (Research, Education, Libraries and Archives) Regulations 2014 are available here:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1372/regulation/3/made

The use of materials protected by copyright is essential to the learning process. Educational resources exist in all formats that are recognised as ‘works’ in copyright law.

This guide is aimed at the wide range of staff working in libraries and information services. Copyright exceptions apply equally to all staff working in libraries including library or information assistants.

Text & Data Mining

The electronic analysis of large amounts of copyright works allows researchers to discover patterns, trends and other useful information that cannot be detected through usual ‘human’ reading. This process, known as ‘text and data mining’…

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Intellectual Property Law Research Paper Topics

Welcome to the realm of intellectual property law research paper topics , where we aim to guide law students on their academic journey by providing a comprehensive list of 10 captivating and relevant topics in each of the 10 categories. In this section, we will explore the dynamic field of intellectual property law, encompassing copyrights, trademarks, patents, and more, and shed light on its significance, complexities, and the diverse array of research paper topics it offers. With expert tips on topic selection, guidance on crafting an impactful research paper, and access to iResearchNet’s custom writing services, students can empower their pursuit of excellence in the domain of intellectual property law.

100 Intellectual Property Law Research Paper Topics

Intellectual property law is a dynamic and multifaceted field that intersects with various sectors, including technology, arts, business, and innovation. Research papers in this domain allow students to explore the intricate legal framework that governs the creation, protection, and enforcement of intellectual property rights. To aid aspiring legal scholars in their academic pursuits, this section presents a comprehensive list of intellectual property law research paper topics, categorized to encompass a wide range of subjects.

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• Fair Use Doctrine: Balancing Creativity and Access to Knowledge
• Copyright Infringement in the Digital Age: Challenges and Solutions
• The Role of Copyright Law in Protecting Creative Works of Art
• The Intersection of Copyright and AI: Legal Implications and Challenges
• Copyright and Digital Education: Analyzing the Impact of Distance Learning
• Copyright and Social Media: Addressing Infringement and User Rights
• Copyright Exceptions for Libraries and Educational Institutions
• Copyright Law and Virtual Reality: Emerging Legal Issues
• Copyright and Artificial Intelligence in Music Creation
• Copyright Termination Rights and Authors’ Works Reversion
• Patentable Subject Matter: Examining the Boundaries of Patent Protection
• Patent Trolls and Innovation: Evaluating the Impact on Technological Advancement
• Biotechnology Patents: Ethical Considerations and Policy Implications
• Patent Wars in the Pharmaceutical Industry: Balancing Access to Medicine and Innovation
• Standard Essential Patents: Analyzing the Role in Technology Development and Market Competition
• Patent Thickets and the Challenges for Startups and Small Businesses
• Patent Pooling and Collaborative Innovation: Advantages and Legal Considerations
• Patent Litigation and Forum Shopping: Analysis of Jurisdictional Issues
• Patent Law and Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Inventorship and Ownership
• Patent Exhaustion and International Trade: Legal Complexities in Global Markets
• Trademark Dilution: Protecting the Distinctiveness of Brands in a Global Market
• Trademark Infringement and the Online Environment: Challenges and Legal Remedies
• The Intersection of Trademark Law and Freedom of Speech: Striking a Balance
• Non-Traditional Trademarks: Legal Issues Surrounding Sound, Color, and Shape Marks
• Trademark Licensing: Key Considerations for Brand Owners and Licensees
• Trademark Protection for Geographical Indications: Preserving Cultural Heritage
• Trademark Opposition and Cancellation Proceedings: Strategies and Legal Considerations
• Trademark Law and Counterfeiting: Global Enforcement Challenges
• Trademark and Domain Name Disputes: UDRP and Legal Strategies
• Trademark Law and Social Media Influencers: Disclosure and Endorsement Guidelines
• Trade Secrets vs. Patents: Choosing the Right Intellectual Property Protection
• Trade Secret Misappropriation: Legal Protections and Remedies for Businesses
• Protecting Trade Secrets in the Digital Age: Cybersecurity Challenges and Best Practices
• International Trade Secret Protection: Harmonization and Enforcement Challenges
• Whistleblowing and Trade Secrets: Balancing Public Interest and Corporate Secrets
• Trade Secret Licensing and Technology Transfer: Legal and Business Considerations
• Trade Secret Protection in Employment Contracts: Non-Compete and Non-Disclosure Agreements
• Trade Secret Misappropriation in Supply Chains: Legal Implications and Risk Mitigation
• Trade Secret Law and Artificial Intelligence: Ownership and Trade Secret Protection
• Trade Secret Protection in the Era of Open Innovation and Collaborative Research
• Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property: Ownership and Liability Issues
• 3D Printing and Intellectual Property: Navigating the Intersection of Innovation and Copyright
• Blockchain Technology and Intellectual Property: Challenges and Opportunities
• Digital Rights Management: Addressing Copyright Protection in the Digital Era
• Open Source Software Licensing: Legal Implications and Considerations
• Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality: Legal Issues in Content Creation and Distribution
• Internet of Things (IoT) and Intellectual Property: Legal Challenges and Policy Considerations
• Big Data and Intellectual Property: Privacy and Data Protection Concerns
• Artificial Intelligence and Patent Offices: Automation and Efficiency Implications
• Intellectual Property Implications of 5G Technology: Connectivity and Innovation Challenges
• Music Copyright and Streaming Services: Analyzing Legal Challenges and Solutions
• Fair Use in Documentary Films: Balancing Copyright Protection and Freedom of Expression
• Intellectual Property in Video Games: Legal Issues in the Gaming Industry
• Digital Piracy and Copyright Enforcement: Approaches to Tackling Online Infringement
• Personality Rights in Media: Balancing Privacy and Freedom of the Press
• Streaming Services and Copyright Licensing: Legal Challenges and Royalty Distribution
• Fair Use in Parody and Satire: Analyzing the Boundaries of Creative Expression
• Copyright Protection for User-Generated Content: Balancing Authorship and Ownership
• Media Censorship and Intellectual Property: Implications for Freedom of Information
• Virtual Influencers and Copyright: Legal Challenges in the Age of AI-Generated Content
• Intellectual Property Protection in Developing Countries: Promoting Innovation and Access to Knowledge
• Cross-Border Intellectual Property Litigation: Jurisdictional Challenges and Solutions
• Trade Agreements and Intellectual Property: Impact on Global Innovation and Access to Medicines
• Harmonization of Intellectual Property Laws: Prospects and Challenges for International Cooperation
• Indigenous Knowledge and Intellectual Property: Addressing Cultural Appropriation and Protection
• Intellectual Property and Global Public Health: Balancing Innovation and Access to Medicines
• Geographical Indications in International Trade: Legal Framework and Market Exclusivity
• International Licensing and Technology Transfer: Legal Considerations for Multinational Corporations
• Intellectual Property Enforcement in the Digital Marketplace: Comparative Analysis of International Laws
• Digital Copyright and Cross-Border E-Commerce: Legal Implications for Online Businesses
• Intellectual Property Strategy for Startups: Maximizing Value and Mitigating Risk
• Licensing and Franchising: Legal Considerations for Expanding Intellectual Property Rights
• Intellectual Property Due Diligence in Mergers and Acquisitions: Key Legal Considerations
• Non-Disclosure Agreements: Safeguarding Trade Secrets and Confidential Information
• Intellectual Property Dispute Resolution: Arbitration and Mediation as Alternative Methods
• Intellectual Property Valuation: Methods and Challenges for Business and Investment Decisions
• Technology Licensing and Transfer Pricing: Tax Implications for Multinational Corporations
• Intellectual Property Audits: Evaluating and Managing IP Assets for Businesses
• Trade Secret Protection and Non-Compete Clauses: Balancing Employer and Employee Interests
• Intellectual Property and Startups: Strategies for Funding and Investor Relations
• Intellectual Property and Access to Medicines: Ethical Dilemmas in Global Health
• Gene Patenting and Human Dignity: Analyzing the Moral and Legal Implications
• Intellectual Property and Indigenous Peoples: Recognizing Traditional Knowledge and Culture
• Bioethics and Biotechnology Patents: Navigating the Intersection of Science and Ethics
• Copyright, Creativity, and Freedom of Expression: Ethical Considerations in the Digital Age
• Intellectual Property and Artificial Intelligence: Ethical Implications for AI Development and Use
• Genetic Engineering and Intellectual Property: Legal and Ethical Implications
• Intellectual Property and Environmental Sustainability: Legal and Ethical Perspectives
• Cultural Heritage and Intellectual Property Rights: Preservation and Repatriation Efforts
• Intellectual Property and Social Justice: Access and Equality in the Innovation Ecosystem
• Innovation Incentives and Intellectual Property: Examining the Relationship
• Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer: Promoting Innovation and Knowledge Transfer
• Intellectual Property Rights in Research Collaborations: Balancing Interests and Collaborative Innovation
• Innovation Policy and Patent Law: Impact on Technology and Economic Growth
• Intellectual Property and Open Innovation: Collaborative Models and Legal Implications
• Intellectual Property and Startups: Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Intellectual Property and University Technology Transfer: Challenges and Opportunities
• Open Access and Intellectual Property: Balancing Public Goods and Commercial Interests
• Intellectual Property and Creative Industries: Promoting Cultural and Economic Development
• Intellectual Property and Sustainable Development Goals: Aligning Innovation with Global Priorities

The intellectual property law research paper topics presented here are intended to inspire students and researchers to delve into the complexities of intellectual property law and explore emerging issues in this ever-evolving field. Each topic offers a unique opportunity to engage with legal principles, societal implications, and practical challenges. As the landscape of intellectual property law continues to evolve, there remains an exciting realm of uncharted research areas, waiting to be explored. Through in-depth research and critical analysis, students can contribute to the advancement of intellectual property law and its impact on innovation, creativity, and society at large.

Exploring the Range of Topics in Human Rights Law

Human rights law is a vital field of study that delves into the protection and promotion of fundamental rights and freedoms for all individuals. As a cornerstone of international law, human rights law addresses various issues, ranging from civil and political rights to economic, social, and cultural rights. It aims to safeguard the inherent dignity and worth of every human being, regardless of their race, religion, gender, nationality, or other characteristics. In this section, we will explore the diverse and expansive landscape of intellectual property law research paper topics, shedding light on its significance and the vast array of areas where students can conduct meaningful research.

• Historical Perspectives on Human Rights : Understanding the historical evolution of human rights is essential to comprehend the principles and norms that underpin modern international human rights law. Research papers in this category may explore the origins of human rights, the impact of significant historical events on the development of human rights norms, and the role of key figures and organizations in shaping the human rights framework.
• Human Rights and Social Justice : This category delves into the intersection of human rights law and social justice. Intellectual property law research paper topics may encompass the role of human rights in addressing issues of poverty, inequality, discrimination, and marginalization. Researchers can analyze how human rights mechanisms and legal instruments contribute to advancing social justice and promoting inclusivity within societies.
• Gender Equality and Women’s Rights : Gender equality and women’s rights remain crucial subjects in human rights law. Research papers in this area may explore the legal protections for women’s rights, the challenges in achieving gender equality, and the impact of cultural and societal norms on women’s human rights. Intellectual property law research paper topics may also address specific issues such as violence against women, gender-based discrimination, and the role of women in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
• Freedom of Expression and Media Rights : The right to freedom of expression is a fundamental human right that forms the basis of democratic societies. In this category, researchers can examine the legal dimensions of freedom of expression, including its limitations, the role of media in promoting human rights, and the challenges in balancing freedom of expression with other rights and interests.
• Human Rights in Armed Conflicts and Peacebuilding : Armed conflicts have severe implications for human rights, necessitating robust legal frameworks for protection. Topics in this category may focus on humanitarian law, the rights of civilians during armed conflicts, and the role of international organizations in peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction.
• Refugee and Migration Rights : With the global refugee crisis and migration challenges, this category addresses the legal protections and challenges faced by refugees and migrants. Research papers may delve into the rights of asylum seekers, the principle of non-refoulement, and the legal obligations of states in providing humanitarian assistance and protection to displaced populations.
• Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights : Economic, social, and cultural rights are integral to human rights law, ensuring the well-being and dignity of individuals. Topics may explore the right to education, health, housing, and adequate standards of living. Researchers may also examine the justiciability and enforcement of these rights at national and international levels.
• Human Rights and Technology : The digital age presents new challenges and opportunities for human rights. Research in this category can explore the impact of technology on privacy rights, freedom of expression, and the right to access information. Intellectual property law research paper topics may also cover the use of artificial intelligence and algorithms in decision-making processes and their potential implications for human rights.
• Environmental Justice and Human Rights : Environmental degradation has significant human rights implications. Researchers can investigate the intersection of environmental protection and human rights, examining the right to a healthy environment, the rights of indigenous communities, and the role of human rights law in addressing climate change.
• Business and Human Rights : The responsibilities of corporations in upholding human rights have gained increasing attention. This category focuses on corporate social responsibility, human rights due diligence, and legal mechanisms to hold businesses accountable for human rights violations.

The realm of human rights law offers an expansive and dynamic platform for research and exploration. As the international community continues to grapple with pressing human rights issues, students have a unique opportunity to contribute to the discourse and advance human rights protections worldwide. Whether examining historical perspectives, social justice, gender equality, freedom of expression, or other critical areas, research in human rights law is a compelling endeavor that can make a positive impact on the lives of people globally.

How to Choose an Intellectual Property Law Topic

Choosing the right intellectual property law research paper topic is a crucial step in the academic journey of law students. Intellectual property law is a multifaceted and rapidly evolving field that covers a wide range of subjects, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and more. With such diversity, selecting a compelling and relevant research topic can be both challenging and exciting. In this section, we will explore ten practical tips to help students navigate the process of choosing an engaging and impactful intellectual property law research paper topic.

• Identify Your Interests and Passion : The first step in selecting a research paper topic in intellectual property law is to identify your personal interests and passion within the field. Consider what aspects of intellectual property law resonate with you the most. Are you fascinated by the intricacies of patent law and its role in promoting innovation? Or perhaps you have a keen interest in copyright law and its influence on creative expression? By choosing a topic that aligns with your passions, you are more likely to stay motivated and engaged throughout the research process.
• Stay Updated on Current Developments : Intellectual property law is a dynamic area with continuous developments and emerging trends. To choose a relevant and timely research topic, it is essential to stay updated on recent court decisions, legislative changes, and emerging issues in the field. Follow reputable legal news sources, academic journals, and intellectual property law blogs to remain informed about the latest developments.
• Narrow Down the Scope : Given the vastness of intellectual property law, it is essential to narrow down the scope of your research paper topic. Focus on a specific subfield or issue within intellectual property law that interests you the most. For example, you may choose to explore the legal challenges of protecting digital copyrights in the music industry or the ethical implications of gene patenting in biotechnology.
• Conduct Preliminary Research : Before finalizing your research paper topic, conduct preliminary research to gain a better understanding of the existing literature and debates surrounding the chosen subject. This will help you assess the availability of research material and identify any gaps or areas for further exploration.
• Review Case Law and Legal Precedents : In intellectual property law, case law plays a crucial role in shaping legal principles and interpretations. Analyzing landmark court decisions and legal precedents in your chosen area can provide valuable insights and serve as a foundation for your research paper.
• Consult with Professors and Experts : Seek guidance from your professors or intellectual property law experts regarding potential intellectual property law research paper topics. They can offer valuable insights, suggest relevant readings, and provide feedback on the feasibility and relevance of your chosen topic.
• Consider Practical Applications : Intellectual property law has real-world implications and applications. Consider choosing a research topic that has practical significance and addresses real challenges faced by individuals, businesses, or society at large. For example, you might explore the role of intellectual property in facilitating technology transfer in developing countries or the impact of intellectual property rights on access to medicines.
• Analyze International Perspectives : Intellectual property law is not confined to national boundaries; it has significant international dimensions. Analyzing the differences and similarities in intellectual property regimes across different countries can offer a comparative perspective and enrich your research paper.
• Propose Solutions to Existing Problems : A compelling research paper in intellectual property law can propose innovative solutions to existing problems or challenges in the field. Consider focusing on an area where there are unresolved debates or conflicting interests and offer well-reasoned solutions based on legal analysis and policy considerations.
• Seek Feedback and Refine Your Topic : Once you have narrowed down your research paper topic, seek feedback from peers, professors, or mentors. Be open to refining your topic based on constructive criticism and suggestions. A well-defined and thoughtfully chosen research topic will set the stage for a successful and impactful research paper.

Choosing the right intellectual property law research paper topic requires careful consideration, passion, and a keen awareness of current developments in the field. By identifying your interests, staying updated on legal developments, narrowing down the scope, conducting preliminary research, and seeking guidance from experts, you can select a compelling and relevant topic that contributes to the academic discourse in intellectual property law. A well-chosen research topic will not only showcase your expertise and analytical skills but also provide valuable insights into the complexities and challenges of intellectual property law in the modern world.

How to Write an Intellectual Property Law Research Paper

Writing an intellectual property law research paper can be an intellectually stimulating and rewarding experience. However, it can also be a daunting task, especially for students who are new to the intricacies of legal research and academic writing. In this section, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to write an effective and impactful intellectual property law research paper. From understanding the structure and components of the paper to conducting thorough research and crafting compelling arguments, these ten tips will help you navigate the writing process with confidence and proficiency.

• Understand the Paper Requirements : Before diving into the writing process, carefully review the requirements and guidelines provided by your professor or institution. Pay attention to the paper’s length, formatting style (APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard, etc.), citation guidelines, and any specific instructions regarding the research paper topic or research methods.
• Conduct In-Depth Research : A strong intellectual property law research paper is built on a foundation of comprehensive and credible research. Utilize academic databases, legal journals, books, and reputable online sources to gather relevant literature and legal precedents related to your chosen topic. Ensure that your research covers a wide range of perspectives and presents a well-rounded analysis of the subject matter.
• Develop a Clear Thesis Statement : The thesis statement is the central argument of your research paper. It should be concise, specific, and clearly convey the main point you will be arguing throughout the paper. Your thesis statement should reflect the significance of your research topic and its contribution to the field of intellectual property law.
• Create an Outline : An outline is a roadmap for your research paper, helping you organize your thoughts and ideas in a logical and coherent manner. Divide your paper into sections, each representing a key aspect of your argument. Within each section, outline the main points you will address and the evidence or analysis that supports your claims.
• Introduction : Engage and Provide Context: The introduction of your research paper should captivate the reader’s attention and provide essential context for your study. Start with a compelling opening sentence or anecdote that highlights the importance of the topic. Clearly state your thesis statement and provide an overview of the main points you will explore in the paper.
• Literature Review : In the early sections of your research paper, include a literature review that summarizes the existing research and scholarship on your topic. Analyze the key theories, legal doctrines, and debates surrounding the subject matter. Use this section to demonstrate your understanding of the existing literature and to identify gaps or areas where your research will contribute.
• Legal Analysis and Argumentation : The heart of your intellectual property law research paper lies in your legal analysis and argumentation. Each section of the paper should present a well-structured and coherent argument supported by legal reasoning, case law, and relevant statutes. Clearly explain the legal principles and doctrines you are applying and provide evidence to support your conclusions.
• Consider Policy Implications : Intellectual property law often involves complex policy considerations. As you present your legal arguments, consider the broader policy implications of your research findings. Discuss how your proposed solutions or interpretations align with societal interests and contribute to the advancement of intellectual property law.
• Anticipate Counterarguments : To strengthen your research paper, anticipate potential counterarguments to your thesis and address them thoughtfully. Acknowledging and refuting counterarguments demonstrate the depth of your analysis and the validity of your position.
• Conclusion : Recapitulate and Reflect: In the conclusion of your research paper, recapitulate your main arguments and restate your thesis statement. Reflect on the insights gained from your research and highlight the significance of your findings. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion and instead, offer recommendations for further research or policy implications.

Writing an intellectual property law research paper requires meticulous research, careful analysis, and persuasive argumentation. By following the tips provided in this section, you can confidently navigate the writing process and create an impactful research paper that contributes to the field of intellectual property law. Remember to adhere to academic integrity and proper citation practices throughout your research, and seek feedback from peers or professors to enhance the quality and rigor of your work. A well-crafted research paper will not only demonstrate your expertise in the field but also provide valuable insights into the complexities and nuances of intellectual property law.

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• Expert Degree-Holding Writers : Our team consists of experienced writers with advanced degrees in law and expertise in intellectual property law. They possess the necessary knowledge and research skills to create well-crafted research papers that showcase a profound understanding of the subject matter.
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• In-Depth Research : Our writers conduct thorough and comprehensive research to ensure that your intellectual property law research paper is well-supported by relevant legal sources and up-to-date literature.
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When it comes to writing an exceptional intellectual property law research paper, iResearchNet is your reliable partner. With our team of expert writers, commitment to quality, and customer-centric approach, we are dedicated to helping you succeed in your academic pursuits. Whether you need assistance with choosing a research paper topic, conducting in-depth research, or crafting a compelling argument, our custom writing services are designed to provide you with the support and expertise you need. Place your order with iResearchNet today and unlock the full potential of your intellectual property law research.

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Why Copyright Matters in Research

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Previously, we looked at the divisions growing in the open access community and an overview as to what Creative Commons is and how it applies to academic research.  However, all of this points to a much larger question: Why is copyright in research such an important issue for research?To understand this, we first have to look at what copyright is and then how it applies to research and why that application is crucial.

What is Copyright

Copyright, according to the U.S. Copyright Office , is a set of exclusive rights that are granted to a creator of a work of an original work authorship. Those rights include the right to make copies, publicly display a work, perform a work and create derivative works based upon it.

A creative work of authorship is basically any work that has a requisite level of creativity, which is almost any amount, and is fixed into a tangible medium of expression, such as being written on a sheet of paper, saved to a hard drive or otherwise made permanent. Copyright includes a variety of works including written works, paintings, photographs, music recordings, movies and much more.

However, many things can not be copyrighted including names, facts and ideas. While those, in some cases, can be protected by other types of intellectual property, including trademark and patent, they can not be protected under copyright.

What this means for researchers is that the ideas and the facts that are learned while conducting research or writing a paper are not copyrightable. However, the papers themselves (the expression of that information) can be. As such, every research paper, or draft thereof, is copyright protected the moment it is saved to a hard drive. 

That copyright, in turn, limits how others can use that paper. Without permission from the copyright holder, usually the author, no one else can legally post it on a web site, share it in a journal or even use lengthy passages of it for their own research. While fair use, an exemption to the exclusive rights of the copyright holder, may protect short quotes, copyright still limits the use of longer passages and the creation of derivative works.

However, copyright is like any other property. You can license others to use a copyrighted work and even sell it or give it away. This is why, when publishing a work, it’s important to understand what you are granting the journal. Is it a copyright transfer or a license? If it it’s the latter, what are the terms of that license?

That agreement and how the journal chooses to use the rights it obtains plays a key role in determining in how an article is distributed and what others can do with it. That, in turn, has a significant impact on how scientific knowledge is spread.

Copyright and Research

While copyright can’t restrict the facts and information learned during research, it can be used to restrict access to the research itself.

The most common approach that has been taken is simply restricting who can view the paper. Many non-open access journals would make articles available only to subscribers and since copyright prohibited copying and public display of the papers, it isn’t legally possible for someone else to come along and make copies for other sites or journals.

However, there are other ways copyright can restrict access to research. Since it’s an infringement to create derivative works based upon a copyrighted work without permission, long quotes or repeating a significant portion of a paper, even with attribution, could be infringing. This can add extra challenges to doing meta analyses and replicating results.

Creative Commons and other open licenses work around these issues by granting the public, including other researchers, permission to copy and build upon the work. This ensures that the research is always publicly available since it can be freely copied and shared and that anyone wishing to build upon the research will have no concerns about copyright when working.

However, open access and open copyright approaches to publishing are not without criticisms. Since opening up the copyright on a paper means that there is no business model in selling access to it, publishers often recoup the cost of publication by charging (or charging extra) those who publish in their open access journals. This has led to allegations of “pay to publish” research and the rise of predatory journals that collect publication fees but offer no other benefit.

But while neither approach is perfect, both approaches are built upon copyright, either using it to restrict access or having researchers pay to remove most copyright restrictions.

Bottom Line

In the end, scientific publishing is a business and no matter the model a publisher chooses, that business is based on copyright.

However, that choice made by the publisher and the researcher is going to have a profound impact on who has access to the research and what they can clearly do with it. So while the decisions about copyright may have been made for reasons independent of the research itself, it is a major factor in determining what will happen to the research after it is published.

Copyright is not an issue that is going to go away for researchers. As open access continues to build momentum and debates about copyright become more intense, the importance of the law is only going to grow.

As such, it’s crucial that researchers be aware of copyright. Not only so they don’t run afoul of it when publishing their work, but also so they can understand the laws that govern the business responsible for distributing their writing.

The opinions expressed here are my own and do not represent the views of iThenticate.

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Intellectual Property Rights: What Researchers Need to Know

Intellectual property rights help protect creations of the mind that include inventions, literary or artistic work, images, symbols, etc. If you create a product, publish a book, or find a new drug, intellectual property rights ensure that you benefit from your work. These rights protect your creation or work from unfair use by others. In this article, we will discuss different types of intellectual property rights and learn how they can help researchers.

Types of Intellectual Property Rights

There are two main types of intellectual property rights (IPR).

• Copyrights and related rights
• Industrial property

Copyrights give authors the right to protect their work.

It covers databases, reference works, computer programs, architecture, books, technical drawings, and others.

By copyrighting your work, you ensure that others cannot use it without your permission.

Industrial property rights include trademarks, patents, geographical indications, and industrial designs.

• A trademark is a unique sign used to identify a product or a service. It can be a single word or a combination of words and numbers. Drawings, 3-D signs, or even symbols can constitute a trademark. For instance, Google is a famous trademark. The trademark application can be filed at national or regional levels depending on the extent of protection required.
• A patent is an exclusive right to an invention that introduces a new solution or a technique. If you own a patent, you are the only person who can manufacture, distribute, sell, or commercially use that product. Patents are usually granted for a period of 20 years. The technology that powers self-driving cars is an example of a patented invention.
• A geographical indication states that a product belongs to a specific region and has quality or reputation owing to that region. Olive oil from Tuscany is a product protected by geographical indication.
• An industrial design is what makes a product unique and attractive. These may include 3-D (shape or surface of an object) or 2-D (lines or patterns) features. The shape of a glass Coca-Cola bottle is an example of the industrial design.

What Do I Need to Know About IPR?

Intellectual property rights are governed by WIPO , the World Intellectual Property Organization. WIPO harmonizes global policy and protects IPR across borders. As a researcher, you rely on the published work to create a new hypothesis or to support your findings. You should, therefore, ensure that you do not infringe the copyright of the owner or author of the published work (images, extracts, figures, data, etc.)

When you refer to a book chapter or a research paper , make sure to provide appropriate credit and avoid plagiarism by using effective paraphrasing , summarizing, or quoting the required content. Remember plagiarism is a serious misconduct! It is important to cite the original work in your manuscript. Copyright also covers images, figures, data, etc. Authors must get appropriate written permission to use copyrighted images before using them in the manuscripts or thesis.

How do you decide whether to publish or patent? Check your local IPR laws. IPR laws vary between countries and regions. In the US, a patent will not be granted for an idea that has already been published. Researchers, therefore, are advised to file a patent application before publishing a paper on their invention. Discussing an invention in public is what is known as public disclosure . In the US, for instance, a researcher has one year from the time of public disclosure to file a patent. However, in Europe, a researcher who has already disclosed his or her invention publicly loses the right to file a patent immediately.

IPR and Collaborative Research

IPR laws can impact international research collaboration. Researchers should take national differences into account when planning global collaboration. For example, researchers in the US or Japan collaborating with researchers in the EU must agree to restrict public disclosure or publication before filing a patent. In the US, it is common for publicly funded universities to retain patent ownership. However, in Europe , there are different options . An ideal collaboration provides everyone involved with the maximum ownership of patent rights. Several entities specialize in organizing international research collaborations. Researchers can also consider engaging with such a company to manage IPR.

What questions do you have about IPR? Have you faced any situation where you need to consider IPR issues when conducting or publishing your research ? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Wow, I never knew that geographical indication can have a connection to intellectual property if it has distinctions that can be attributed to where it came from. After finishing my master’s degree, I think I’m going to be staying in the academe as a researcher so it’s quite helpful to know more about how the intricacies of IP can affect research. I hope I can one day attend a conference about IP to learn more about its modern day advancements.

I have invented – conceived – a training system. What do I have to do to achieve and retain ownership if I enroll in a university higher degree by research program to develop this idea?

Thank you for sharing your query on our website. Regarding your query, most universities recognize as a general principle that students who are not employees of the university own the IP rights in the works they produce purely based on knowledge received from lectures and teaching. However, there may be some circumstances where ownership has to be shared or assigned to the university or a third party. These include cases when the student is being sponsored by the university, or the project is a sponsored research project or involves the academic staff of the university or university resources. If the training system conceived by you does not involve any of the above mentioned scenarios, ideally you should be able to retain its ownership. For more clarity you can check through the IP rules section of the concerned university.

Please let us know in case of any queries.

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Copyright & fair use articles.

Article Topics

General Articles Digital Millenium Copyright Act – DMCA @ Digital Rights Management Distance Education and the TEACH Act @ Multimedia Obtaining Permissions Scholarly Communication UCITA @

General Articles

• Big Myths about copyright explained by Brad Templeton. This is a list of 10 misconceptions of about copyright rights
• A Bill of Writes column by Nicholas Negroponte and Michael Hawley, originally published in Wired Magazine. Almost every book published in the United States during the last 15 years has been produced digitally. The Bill of Writes is a digital deposit act, requiring that each item submitted to the Library of Congress be accompanied by its digital source in order to obtain copyright. This will lead to the quicker building of digital libraries which will benefit future generations
• Posting Course Materials Online Course Management Systems From Columbia University’s Copyright Advisory Office
• Copyright and Authors’ Rights by Mike Holderness for the International Federation of Journalists Freelance conference in Amsterdam. Statement urging a recognition of “authors’ rights” by the United States and the UK
• Copyright and Fair Use in the Digital Age: Q&A with Peter Lyman. Educom Review
• Copyright and Preservation: A Serious Problem in Need of a Thoughtful Solution by Robert L. Oakley
• Copyright Basics [PDF] From the US Copyright Office
• Copyright FAQ From the US Copyright Office
• The Copyright Grab by Pamela Samuelson, a visiting professor of law at Cornell Law School and a Fellow of EFF. Published in Wired. Examines the White Paper on Intellectual Property and the National Information Infrastructure and how enactment of its views would rescinded traditional user rights to browse, share, or make private noncommercial copies of copyrighted works and lead to an invasion of user privacy. Argues that the White Paper is not a good idea from a user perspective
• Copyright Law for the Digital Library Framework of Rights and Exceptions, by Kenneth D. Crews Indiana School of Law (PDF Document)
• Crash Course in Copyright From the University of Texas Fair Use and Copyright Center
• The Economy of Ideas: A framework for rethinking patents and copyrights in the Digital Age (Everything you know about intellectual property is wrong) by John Perry Barlow, a retired cattle rancher, a lyricist for the Grateful Dead, and co-founder and executive chair of EFF. Published in Wired magazine
• The Educator’s Guide to Copyright and Fair Use From tech Learning a resource for teachers, technology coordinators and administrators.
• Fair Use Check List From Columbia University’s Copyright Advisory Office
• Fair Use of Copyrighted Works Electronic version of a pamphlet published by CETUS: Consortium for Educational Technology in University Systems. Includes information on fair use as it relates to higher education, illustrative scenarios, and information on obtaining permissions.
• Fair Use in the Electronic Age: Serving the Public Interest this Working Document is an outgrowth of discussions among a number of library associations regarding intellectual property, and in particular, the concern that the interests and rights of copyright owners and users remain balanced in the digital environment.
• Copyright in the Library
• Copyright Management
• Coursepacks and Fair Use
• Creating Rights for Mulimedia Works
• Enforcement of Copyright Law Against State Universities
• Fair Use Reserve Operations
• Future of Fair Use
• Information on Getting Permission
• Licensing Resources
• Permissible Copying of Software
• Permissible Use of Research Copies
• Presentations on Various Copyright Topics
• What do the CONFU Guidelines Mean?
• Who Owns What?
• Avoiding Patent, Trademark and Copyright Problems : What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You – The title says it all. Written primarily for the owners of small businesses who feel that they cannot afford to concern themselves with intellectual property.
• Copyright for Computer Authors
• Copyright on the Internet Focuses on copyright issues most apt to concern those who post to or own email lists or those who have put up web pages. Such matters as the fundamental distinction between works that are and are not “for hire,” deposit and issues to consider in transferring copyright interests are treated in the two discussions below.
• Copyright in Visual Arts Addresses the importance of copyright registration and notice, works for hire, deposit requirements, registration of multiple works, the need for counsel in licensing and other matters of interest to free lance artists, computer authors, craftspeople and entrepreneurs.
• How Much of Someone Else’s Work May I Use Without Asking Permission? The Fair Use Doctrine – Part II By Lloyd L. Rich.
• Intellectual Property Committee on Copy Control Systems, DRAFT Institutes of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Position Statement on Copy Control Systems
• Intellectual Value by Esther Dyson, Originally published in Wired Magazine, discusses how the Net changes the economics of content and strategies to take advantage of these changes
• Is Copyright Dead on the Net? by Lance Rose, published in Wired Magazine
• Judicial Response: A Safe Harbor in the “Fair Use” Doctrine
• The Law of Fair Use and the Illusion of Fair Use Guidelines by Kenneth Crews, from the Ohio State Law Journal
• Legal and Policy Responses to the Disappearing ‘Teacher Exception,’ Or Copyright Ownership in the 21st Century University by Elizabeth Townsend of the University of Arizona. Publsihed in the University of Minnesota Law School’s Minnesota Intellectual Property Review in 2003 (vol. 4, issue 2, page 209).
• Library Copyright Liability and Pirating Patrons . . . and What You Can Do About It By Mary Minow, May 2001
• A Magna Carta for the Knowledge Age by Esther Dyson, George Gilder, George Keyworth and Alvin Toffler
• Negativland’s Essay on Fair Use
• Promoting Open Access: Developing New Strategies for Managing Copyright and Intellectual Property by Mary M. Case, Director, Office of Scholarly Communication, ARL, and Prudence S. Adler, Associate Executive Director, Federal Relations and Information Policy, ARL
• The Purpose of Copyright By Lydia Pallas Lauren, Northwestern School of Law Lewis & Clark College
• RISKS of guessing at Fair Use by Mich Kabay
• Some Thoughts on the Political Economy of Intellectual Property: A Brief Look at the International Copyright Relations of the United States David G. Post, Temple University
• University Copy Centers: Do They Pass the Fair Use Test? From the University of Texas Fair Use and Copyright site
• Washington State University Copyright Office Copyright articles and tests
• Whom Do You Trust? Op Ed by Michigan Law’s Roberta J. Morris and Jonathan Franklin
• Where Does the Free Online Scholarship Movement Stand Today? by Peter Suber, Professor of Philosophy, Earlham College, and Editor Free Online Scholarship Newsletter
• Whose article is it anyway? Copyright and intellectual property issues for researchers in the 90s , Notices of the AMS, January 1996. By Ann Okerson
• Who Will Own Your Next Good Idea By Charles C. Mann, published in Atlantic Monthly (September 1998)

Digital Rights Management

• American Library Association, Washington Office, Digital Rights Issues
• Federal Communications Commission, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Matter of Digital Broadcast Copy Protection (PDF Document)
• DRM and Copyright: ‘Code’ and the Public Interest at the Crossroads Rick Weingarten, Director, ALA Office of Information Technology Policy
• Digital Rights Management and Privacy From the Electronic Privacy and Information Center (EPIC)
• Report of the Joint Information Systems Committee & Publishers Association Working Party On Fair Dealing in an Electronic Environment UK academic and publishing representatives working to find agreement on electronic publishing
• Borrowing Graphics or Text for Library Web Pages: Fair Game, Fair Play and Fair Use – Infopeople webcast held March 3, 2005 – free archived version (must register).
• Copyright Issues: Using and Creating Multimedia and Internet Resources by Georgia Harper, Office of General Counsel, University of Texas System.
• Creating Rights for Mulimedia Works From the University of Texas Copyright and Fair Use Site
• Intellectual Property Law Primer for Multimedia Developers by J. Dianne Brinson and Mark F. Radcliffe
• Multimedia Content and the Information Super Highway From Fenwick & West
• Multimedia Law and Business Handbook
• A Primer on the Law of Webcasting and Digital Music Delivery By Bob Kohn
• Permissible Copying of Software From the University of Texas Fair Use and Copyright site
• Video, Audio and Radio Fair Use From the University of Texas Fair Use and Copyright site

Obtaining Permissions

• Permissions – Stanford Copyright and Fair Use Overview
• Finding the Owner
• Complex Searches
• Collective Licensing Agencies
• Requesting Permission
• Model Forms
• If You Cannot Find the Owner
• Redefining the Market Failure Approach to Fair Use in an Era of Copyright Permission Systems By Lydia Pallas Lauren from the Journal of Intellectual Property Law

Scholarly Communication

• Copyright Legislation and Scholarly Communication: Basic Principles from the University of California, draft document
• Professionals’ Fair Use of Journal Articles for Scholarship, Reference and Research From the University of Texas copyright web site
• Scholarly Communication, Academic Libraries, and Technology From the Mellon Foundation and ARL
• Towards a New Paradigm for Scholarly Communication
• University Libraries & Scholarly Communication From the Mellon Foundation and ARL
• With Feathers: Effects of Ownership on Scholarly Publishing By Ann Okerson. Examines the effects of copyright on scholarly publications.

1000+ FREE Research Topics & Title Ideas

Select your area of interest to view a collection of potential research topics and ideas.

Or grab the full list 📋 (for free)

PS – You can also check out our free topic ideation webinar for more ideas

How To Find A Research Topic

If you’re struggling to get started, this step-by-step video tutorial will help you find the perfect research topic.

Research Topic FAQs

What (exactly) is a research topic.

A research topic is the subject of a research project or study – for example, a dissertation or thesis. A research topic typically takes the form of a problem to be solved, or a question to be answered.

A good research topic should be specific enough to allow for focused research and analysis. For example, if you are interested in studying the effects of climate change on agriculture, your research topic could focus on how rising temperatures have impacted crop yields in certain regions over time.

To learn more about the basics of developing a research topic, consider our free research topic ideation webinar.

What constitutes a good research topic?

A strong research topic comprises three important qualities : originality, value and feasibility.

• Originality – a good topic explores an original area or takes a novel angle on an existing area of study.
• Value – a strong research topic provides value and makes a contribution, either academically or practically.
• Feasibility – a good research topic needs to be practical and manageable, given the resource constraints you face.

To learn more about what makes for a high-quality research topic, check out this post .

What's the difference between a research topic and research problem?

A research topic and a research problem are two distinct concepts that are often confused. A research topic is a broader label that indicates the focus of the study , while a research problem is an issue or gap in knowledge within the broader field that needs to be addressed.

To illustrate this distinction, consider a student who has chosen “teenage pregnancy in the United Kingdom” as their research topic. This research topic could encompass any number of issues related to teenage pregnancy such as causes, prevention strategies, health outcomes for mothers and babies, etc.

Within this broad category (the research topic) lies potential areas of inquiry that can be explored further – these become the research problems . For example:

• What factors contribute to higher rates of teenage pregnancy in certain communities?
• How do different types of parenting styles affect teen pregnancy rates?
• What interventions have been successful in reducing teenage pregnancies?

Simply put, a key difference between a research topic and a research problem is scope ; the research topic provides an umbrella under which multiple questions can be asked, while the research problem focuses on one specific question or set of questions within that larger context.

How can I find potential research topics for my project?

There are many steps involved in the process of finding and choosing a high-quality research topic for a dissertation or thesis. We cover these steps in detail in this video (also accessible below).

How can I find quality sources for my research topic?

Finding quality sources is an essential step in the topic ideation process. To do this, you should start by researching scholarly journals, books, and other academic publications related to your topic. These sources can provide reliable information on a wide range of topics. Additionally, they may contain data or statistics that can help support your argument or conclusions.

Identifying Relevant Sources

When searching for relevant sources, it’s important to look beyond just published material; try using online databases such as Google Scholar or JSTOR to find articles from reputable journals that have been peer-reviewed by experts in the field.

You can also use search engines like Google or Bing to locate websites with useful information about your topic. However, be sure to evaluate any website before citing it as a source—look for evidence of authorship (such as an “About Us” page) and make sure the content is up-to-date and accurate before relying on it.

Evaluating Sources

Once you’ve identified potential sources for your research project, take some time to evaluate them thoroughly before deciding which ones will best serve your purpose. Consider factors such as author credibility (are they an expert in their field?), publication date (is the source current?), objectivity (does the author present both sides of an issue?) and relevance (how closely does this source relate to my specific topic?).

By researching the current literature on your topic, you can identify potential sources that will help to provide quality information. Once you’ve identified these sources, it’s time to look for a gap in the research and determine what new knowledge could be gained from further study.

How can I find a good research gap?

Finding a strong gap in the literature is an essential step when looking for potential research topics. We explain what research gaps are and how to find them in this post.

How should I evaluate potential research topics/ideas?

When evaluating potential research topics, it is important to consider the factors that make for a strong topic (we discussed these earlier). Specifically:

• Originality
• Feasibility

So, when you have a list of potential topics or ideas, assess each of them in terms of these three criteria. A good topic should take a unique angle, provide value (either to academia or practitioners), and be practical enough for you to pull off, given your limited resources.

Finally, you should also assess whether this project could lead to potential career opportunities such as internships or job offers down the line. Make sure that you are researching something that is relevant enough so that it can benefit your professional development in some way. Additionally, consider how each research topic aligns with your career goals and interests; researching something that you are passionate about can help keep motivation high throughout the process.

How can I assess the feasibility of a research topic?

When evaluating the feasibility and practicality of a research topic, it is important to consider several factors.

First, you should assess whether or not the research topic is within your area of competence. Of course, when you start out, you are not expected to be the world’s leading expert, but do should at least have some foundational knowledge.

Time commitment

When considering a research topic, you should think about how much time will be required for completion. Depending on your field of study, some topics may require more time than others due to their complexity or scope.

Additionally, if you plan on collaborating with other researchers or institutions in order to complete your project, additional considerations must be taken into account such as coordinating schedules and ensuring that all parties involved have adequate resources available.

Resources needed

It’s also critically important to consider what type of resources are necessary in order to conduct the research successfully. This includes physical materials such as lab equipment and chemicals but can also include intangible items like access to certain databases or software programs which may be necessary depending on the nature of your work. Additionally, if there are costs associated with obtaining these materials then this must also be factored into your evaluation process.

Potential risks

It’s important to consider the inherent potential risks for each potential research topic. These can include ethical risks (challenges getting ethical approval), data risks (not being able to access the data you’ll need), technical risks relating to the equipment you’ll use and funding risks (not securing the necessary financial back to undertake the research).

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• Basic Introduction to Subject
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• Law Reviews, Journals, and Periodicals
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• Primary Law
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• Finding a Topic for a Research Paper
• Ten Search Tips

Books about Scholarly and Academic Writing

• Scholarly Writing for Law Students: Seminar Papers, Law Review Notes, and Law Review Competition Papers by Elizabeth Fajans, Mary R. Falk Call Number: KF250 .F35 2017 5th ed. Two copies available Law Library Books - Second Floor
• Academic Legal Writing: Law Review Articles, Student Notes, Seminar Papers, and Getting on Law Review by Eugene Volokh Call Number: KF250 .V6 2016 Law Library 2nd Floor Professor Volokh makes excerpts of the third edition of this book available at http://www2.law.ucla.edu/volokh/writing/aextract.pdf

Books/Journals About Computer Law

Computer law titles are available on the second floor at KF390.5 .C6. Brows some of the recent titles in this area for interesting topics.

Intellectual property titles generally are available on the second floor at KF2972-KF2980.

Many law schools today have a law and technology journal; browse the journal collection in the basement to take a look at some recent articles in these journals.

• Berkeley Technology Law Journal Call Number: Journal .B476 Available in print and online
• Computer Law Journal Call Number: Journal .C686 Located in the basement of the law library (arraganed alphabetically).

Resources Generally

A.L.R. - browse the table of contents in some recent volumes. A vailable on the basement level of the Law Library before the U.S. Reports

Westlaw and/or LexisNexis: use these sources to browse the law review databases, or use the law review and journal indices available at the Law Library website.

• Westlaw Westlaw has a practice area devoted to maritime law, with subdirectories for case law, statutes and legislative history, administrative law, directories, and legal texts and periodicals. Consult a recent WESTLAW directory or use the online database finder to locate the materials you need.
• LexisNexis LEXIS includes the ADMRTY library, containing U.S. courts/awards, U.K. courts, U.K. legislation, agency orders, U.S. Code/CFR/Federal Register materials, boat registrations, trade journals, and some law reviews. LEXIS has an exclusive license to materials in American Maritime Cases (coverage back to1923). AMC citations can also be Shepardized on LEXIS.
• Bloomberg BNA Bloomberg's Internet Law Practice Center includes digital access to "Internet Law & Regulation" and a variety of other technology & law resources.

Sources and Techniques for Finding Potential Topic

• Ask an expert - You've probably already had a conversation with Professor Cotropia. Also, if you know lawyers in law firms, goverment agencies, or public interest and advocacy organizations, those lawyers might be able to advise you. 
• Browse general legal news sources like the ones listed below.
• United States Law Week Legal news on all topics from all jurisdictions; available in the Law Library in print on the second floor at KF105 .U55.
• Findlaw's Writ Opinion pieces from regular columnists, most of whom are legal scholars.
• Jurist Forum Another source of opinion pieces from law professors.
• Electronic Commerce and Law Reports Another Bloomberg/BNA newsletter that covers legislative, judicial, news, and other developments.
• Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Bloomberg Law Include databases of recent news and developments that you can use to survey recent federal and state judicial, legislative, and administrative activities. Look for some of their topical highlights and/or current awareness newsletters. Navigate to WestlawNext's "Practical Law" section to find the "Intellectual Property & Technology" section.
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Articles on Copyright law

Displaying 1 - 20 of 52 articles.

South Africa’s new arts minister can grow the industry – scholars outline what Gayton McKenzie’s 7 priorities should be

Akhona Ndzuta , University of the Witwatersrand ; Johanna Mavhungu , University of the Witwatersrand , and Munyaradzi Chatikobo , University of the Witwatersrand

Record labels are suing tech companies for copying classic songs – and the results could shape the legal future of generative AI

Wellett Potter , University of New England

Drake’s beef with Kendrick Lamar isn’t nearly as important as his tiff with Tupac Shakur’s estate over using the dead rapper’s voice

Jabari M. Evans , University of South Carolina

AI can make up songs now, but who owns the copyright? The answer is complicated

Dressing up for Halloween? You could be in breach of copyright law, but it’s unlikely you’ll be sued

Books 3 has revealed thousands of pirated Australian books. In the age of AI, is copyright law still fit for purpose?

Dilan Thampapillai , University of Wollongong

Internet Archive’s digital library has been found in breach of copyright. The decision has some important implications

Agata Mrva-Montoya , University of Sydney

Prosecraft has infuriated authors by using their books without consent – but what does copyright law say?

Dilan Thampapillai , UNSW Sydney

Two authors are suing OpenAI for training ChatGPT with their books. Could they win?

Copyright exceptions in Canadian education aren’t a loophole, they’re essential

Stephanie Savage , University of British Columbia and Jennifer Zerkee , Simon Fraser University

Warhol Foundation v. Goldsmith: Supreme Court rules for income streams over artistic freedom

Hannibal Travis , Florida International University

If ChatGPT wrote it, who owns the copyright? It depends on where you live, but in Australia it’s complicated

ChatGPT: what the law says about who owns the copyright of AI-generated content

Sercan Ozcan , University of Portsmouth ; Joe Sekhon , University of Portsmouth , and Oleksandra Ozcan , University of Portsmouth

Nollywood could see a major boost from Nigeria’s new copyright law - an expert explains why

Samuel Samiái Andrews. , University of Gondar

Giving Canadians the ‘right to repair’ empowers consumers, supports competition and benefits the environment

Natasha Tusikov , York University, Canada

Should a Tragically Hip song have been played at a Pierre Poilievre event?

Robbie MacKay , Queen's University, Ontario and Lisa Macklem , Western University

More means less: Extended copyright benefits the corporate few, not the public

Lisa Macklem , Western University

Banksy’s copyright battle with Guess – anonymity shouldn’t compromise his legal rights

Enrico Bonadio , City, University of London

A video of you goes viral without your consent – what does the law say?

Hayleigh Bosher , Brunel University London

Key parts of US laws are hard for the public to find and read

D. R. Jones , University of Memphis

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• Cornell Law School - Legal Information Institute - Copyright
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copyright , the exclusive , legally secured right to reproduce, distribute, and perform a literary, musical, dramatic, or artistic work.

Now commonly subsumed under the broader category of legal regulations known as intellectual-property law , copyright is designed primarily to protect an artist, a publisher, or another owner against specific unauthorized uses of his work (e.g., reproducing the work in any material form, publishing it, performing it in public, filming it, broadcasting it, or making an adaptation of it). A copyright supplies the holder with a limited monopoly over the created material that assures him of both control over its use and a portion of the pecuniary benefits derived from it.

Copyright developed out of the same system as royal patent grants, by which certain authors and printers were given the exclusive right to publish books and other materials. The purpose of such grants was not to protect authors’ or publishers’ rights but to raise government revenue and to give the government control over the contents of publication. This system was in effect in late 15th-century Venice as well as in 16th-century England, where the London Stationers’ Company achieved a monopoly on the printing of books and was regulated by the Court of Star Chamber .

The Statute of Anne, passed in England in 1710, was a milestone in the history of copyright law . It recognized that authors should be the primary beneficiaries of copyright law and established the idea that such copyrights should have only limited duration (then set at 28 years), after which works would pass into the public domain . Similar laws were enacted in Denmark (1741), the United States (1790), and France (1793). During the 19th century most other countries established laws that protected the work of native authors.

With the development of technology in communications in the industrial age, there was increasing concern over the protection of authors’ rights outside their native countries. In 1852 France extended the protection of its copyright laws to all authors, regardless of nationality, and thereby began a movement for some international accord. At Bern, Switz., in 1886, representatives of 10 countries adopted the Berne Convention (formally known as the International Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works), which established the Berne Union . The core of the convention was the principle of “national treatment”—the requirement that each signatory country provide to citizens of other signatory countries the same rights it provides to its own citizens. Over the course of the 20th century, membership in the convention gradually grew. In 1988 the United States, long a holdout, finally joined, and by the early 21st century more than 140 countries were party to the convention.

In the United States, copyright law is founded on and limited by the Constitution , which authorizes Congress to create a national copyright system to “promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors…the exclusive Right to their…Writings” (Article I, Section 8). In a major revision of copyright law in 1976, the U.S. Congress specified that copyright subsists in original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression, and it provided that such works include literary, musical, and dramatic works; pantomimes and choreographic works; pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works; motion pictures and other audiovisual works; and sound recordings. Under this legislation, copyright extends to computer programs; a separate statute (the Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984) affords protection for mask works—two- or three-dimensional layout-design patterns for creating layers of integrated circuits—fixed in a semiconductor chip product. (Under certain circumstances, computer programs may receive patent protection.)

The 1976 legislation accorded to the owner of a copyright the exclusive rights to reproduce and distribute the work, to prepare derivative works, and to perform and display the work publicly. However, these rights were subject to numerous limitations, the most important of which was the “ fair use ” doctrine, which permitted the moderate use of copyrighted materials for purposes such as education, news reporting, criticism , parody , and even (in some contexts) home consumption , as long as those activities did not substantially impair the copyright owners’ abilities to exploit “potential markets.” Among the other limitations imposed on the rights of copyright owners were certain compulsory licenses, including licenses for retransmissions by cable-television systems and for the public performance of copyrighted musical works in coin-operated players.

The 1976 legislation substantially extended the duration of copyright in the United States. A 1998 statute went even farther. The general term of copyright protection was established as the life of the author plus 70 years. For anonymous works, pseudonymous works, and works made for hire, the term of copyright protection was set at 95 years from first publication or 120 years from the date of creation of the work, whichever was shorter.

The copyright systems of most other countries are similar to that of the United States, in part because of the harmonizing effect of the Berne Convention and in part because all member countries of the World Trade Organization are now obliged to establish minimum levels of copyright protection. Nevertheless, important differences between the national regimes continue to exist. In the United States, for example, copyrights in works created by employees are commonly awarded to the employers under the “work-for-hire” doctrine, whereas in many other countries employees keep the copyrights in their creations. In most countries, government documents enjoy no copyright protection, but in Britain the opposite rule obtains. Countries vary considerably in their treatment of sound recordings . Many governments are less willing than the United States to excuse putatively infringing activities as “fair uses” and more willing than the United States to protect artists’ rights to integrity (i.e., to prevent the destruction or mutilation of their creations) and rights of attribution (i.e., to be given credit for their creations). Finally, despite the pressure exerted by the WTO agreements, countries continue to differ markedly in their willingness and ability to enforce their copyright laws. In general, enforcement is most vigorous in western Europe and North America and weakest in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The softness of copyright law in the latter regions is the result of a number of factors, including limitations in the countries’ judicial systems, continued doubts about whether effective enforcement serves the countries’ national interests, and (particularly in China and some other Asian countries) cultural traditions that celebrate faithful imitation and de-emphasize the ideal of artistic genius that provides much of the moral force of modern copyright law.

Legislatures and courts in some countries have attempted to adapt copyright law to meet the challenges presented by technological advances. In most instances those adjustments have involved strengthening the entitlements of copyright owners. In 1998, for example, the United States passed the Digital Millennium Copyright Act , which expanded owners’ control over digital forms of their creations and penalized persons who sought to evade technological shields (such as encryption) for copyrighted material. One effect of such legislation was that consumers’ opportunities to engage in activities that previously would have been considered “fair uses” were curtailed significantly. Additionally, in 2008 a U.S. federal appeals court ruled that, although they are commonly viewed as contracts, free licenses —which grant freedom to use copyrighted materials in exchange for adherence to certain terms of usage, distribution, and modification—are nonetheless enforceable under copyright law because they “set conditions on the use of copyrighted work.” In the event that the conditions are violated, the license disappears, resulting in copyright infringement as opposed to the lesser violation of breach of contract. The ruling enhanced the protections available to the originators of open-source software, which allows readers to view its programming or source code, improve it, then redistribute the resulting software in its modified form.

The combination of rapid technological changes and the efforts of lawmakers to adapt to them has made copyright law far more controversial than it used to be. Widely publicized political and legal battles over the appropriate shape of this system of rules continued well into the 21st century. In 2009 a Swedish court convicted the four cofounders of the file-sharing Web site The Pirate Bay of contributory copyright infringement for distributing more than 30 movie and music tracks copyrighted by various entertainment companies, including Warner Brothers , Sony Music Entertainment, Columbia Pictures , and EMI. The issue gained a political footing after Sweden’s Pirate Party, which campaigned heavily on a platform of copyright and patent-law reform, secured a seat in the European Parliament . The party had grown by more than 50 percent in the aftermath of the Pirate Bay trial.

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• Starting the research process

How to Choose a Dissertation Topic | 8 Steps to Follow

Published on November 11, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 20, 2023.

Choosing your dissertation topic is the first step in making sure your research goes as smoothly as possible. When choosing a topic, it’s important to consider:

• Your institution and department’s requirements
• Your areas of knowledge and interest
• The scientific, social, or practical relevance
• The availability of data and resources
• The timeframe of your dissertation
• The relevance of your topic

You can follow these steps to begin narrowing down your ideas.

Table of contents

Step 1: check the requirements, step 2: choose a broad field of research, step 3: look for books and articles, step 4: find a niche, step 5: consider the type of research, step 6: determine the relevance, step 7: make sure it’s plausible, step 8: get your topic approved, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about dissertation topics.

The very first step is to check your program’s requirements. This determines the scope of what it is possible for you to research.

• Is there a minimum and maximum word count?
• When is the deadline?
• Should the research have an academic or a professional orientation?
• Are there any methodological conditions? Do you have to conduct fieldwork, or use specific types of sources?

Some programs have stricter requirements than others. You might be given nothing more than a word count and a deadline, or you might have a restricted list of topics and approaches to choose from. If in doubt about what is expected of you, always ask your supervisor or department coordinator.

Start by thinking about your areas of interest within the subject you’re studying. Examples of broad ideas include:

• Twentieth-century literature
• Economic history
• Health policy

To get a more specific sense of the current state of research on your potential topic, skim through a few recent issues of the top journals in your field. Be sure to check out their most-cited articles in particular. For inspiration, you can also search Google Scholar , subject-specific databases , and your university library’s resources.

As you read, note down any specific ideas that interest you and make a shortlist of possible topics. If you’ve written other papers, such as a 3rd-year paper or a conference paper, consider how those topics can be broadened into a dissertation.

After doing some initial reading, it’s time to start narrowing down options for your potential topic. This can be a gradual process, and should get more and more specific as you go. For example, from the ideas above, you might narrow it down like this:

• Twentieth-century literature   Twentieth-century Irish literature   Post-war Irish poetry
• Economic history   European economic history   German labor union history
• Health policy   Reproductive health policy   Reproductive rights in South America

All of these topics are still broad enough that you’ll find a huge amount of books and articles about them. Try to find a specific niche where you can make your mark, such as: something not many people have researched yet, a question that’s still being debated, or a very current practical issue.

At this stage, make sure you have a few backup ideas — there’s still time to change your focus. If your topic doesn’t make it through the next few steps, you can try a different one. Later, you will narrow your focus down even more in your problem statement and research questions .

There are many different types of research , so at this stage, it’s a good idea to start thinking about what kind of approach you’ll take to your topic. Will you mainly focus on:

• Collecting original data (e.g., experimental or field research)?
• Analyzing existing data (e.g., national statistics, public records, or archives)?
• Interpreting cultural objects (e.g., novels, films, or paintings)?
• Comparing scholarly approaches (e.g., theories, methods, or interpretations)?

Many dissertations will combine more than one of these. Sometimes the type of research is obvious: if your topic is post-war Irish poetry, you will probably mainly be interpreting poems. But in other cases, there are several possible approaches. If your topic is reproductive rights in South America, you could analyze public policy documents and media coverage, or you could gather original data through interviews and surveys .

You don’t have to finalize your research design and methods yet, but the type of research will influence which aspects of the topic it’s possible to address, so it’s wise to consider this as you narrow down your ideas.

It’s important that your topic is interesting to you, but you’ll also have to make sure it’s academically, socially or practically relevant to your field.

• Academic relevance means that the research can fill a gap in knowledge or contribute to a scholarly debate in your field.
• Social relevance means that the research can advance our understanding of society and inform social change.
• Practical relevance means that the research can be applied to solve concrete problems or improve real-life processes.

The easiest way to make sure your research is relevant is to choose a topic that is clearly connected to current issues or debates, either in society at large or in your academic discipline. The relevance must be clearly stated when you define your research problem .

Before you make a final decision on your topic, consider again the length of your dissertation, the timeframe in which you have to complete it, and the practicalities of conducting the research.

Will you have enough time to read all the most important academic literature on this topic? If there’s too much information to tackle, consider narrowing your focus even more.

Will you be able to find enough sources or gather enough data to fulfil the requirements of the dissertation? If you think you might struggle to find information, consider broadening or shifting your focus.

Do you have to go to a specific location to gather data on the topic? Make sure that you have enough funding and practical access.

Last but not least, will the topic hold your interest for the length of the research process? To stay motivated, it’s important to choose something you’re enthusiastic about!

Most programmes will require you to submit a brief description of your topic, called a research prospectus or proposal .

Remember, if you discover that your topic is not as strong as you thought it was, it’s usually acceptable to change your mind and switch focus early in the dissertation process. Just make sure you have enough time to start on a new topic, and always check with your supervisor or department.

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .

However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:

• Researchability
• Feasibility and specificity
• Relevance and originality

All research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

You can assess information and arguments critically by asking certain questions about the source. You can use the CRAAP test , focusing on the currency , relevance , authority , accuracy , and purpose of a source of information.

Ask questions such as:

• Who is the author? Are they an expert?
• Why did the author publish it? What is their motivation?
• How do they make their argument? Is it backed up by evidence?

A dissertation prospectus or proposal describes what or who you plan to research for your dissertation. It delves into why, when, where, and how you will do your research, as well as helps you choose a type of research to pursue. You should also determine whether you plan to pursue qualitative or quantitative methods and what your research design will look like.

It should outline all of the decisions you have taken about your project, from your dissertation topic to your hypotheses and research objectives , ready to be approved by your supervisor or committee.

Note that some departments require a defense component, where you present your prospectus to your committee orally.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, November 20). How to Choose a Dissertation Topic | 8 Steps to Follow. Scribbr. Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/dissertation-topic/

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Artificial Intelligence Platforms and Copyright law: is the Legal Belt Tightening?

The decision by a U.S. court to continue deliberating the major lawsuit filed by several visual artists against Generative Artificial Intelligence platforms could call into question how these platforms can operate without infringing on the copyright of works that were used to “train” them.

The lawsuit

About a year and a half ago, several visual artists filed a lawsuit against AI platforms, including Midjourney and Stability AI.

The plaintiffs are claiming that those platforms copied their works in violation of their copyright and used them to train their AI-based image-generation systems and build the infrastructure needed to produce products.

The lawsuit was filed in a district court in California alongside several other legal proceedings initiated by copyright holders against AI platforms.

The court has now ruled that the plaintiffs’ copyright infringement allegations against the platform owners in this lawsuit are sufficient for the legal process to proceed to the document disclosure stage .

The significance of this ruling

The ruling and the continuation of the legal process underscore the need for statutory regulation of AI platforms, which store enormous datasets and are amassing significant power, particularly in relation to copyright law.

The AI platforms’ main defense is that their use of copyrighted works is sheltered under the “Fair Use” doctrine in copyright law and therefore, even if they copied the copyrighted works for the purpose of training the platforms, this does not suffice to impose legal liability on them in respect of copyright infringement. The court’s examination of this affirmative defense argument is likely to be a crucial question affecting copyright infringement cases against AI platforms in the future.

On a practical level, the court’s ruling incentivizes companies relying on AI-based technology suppliers to conduct risk assessments and ensure that every contract with such suppliers includes commercial protections, such as indemnity mechanisms, to protect their information and rights, as well as of those of their customers.

What is the situation in Israel regarding copyright and AI platforms?

At the end of 2022, the Israeli Ministry of Justice published a position that partially addressed this issue. According to the ministry, the use of copyrighted content for machine-learning is generally covered by legally permitted use arrangements and therefore does not constitute copyright infringement. This position is consistent with the aspiration to not “lag behind” in AI system development and to incentivize desirable competitive activities in this evolving industry.

Filed under

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• Barnea Jaffa Lande
• Copyright infringement
• Artificial intelligence
• Generative AI

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　株式会社日本政策投資銀行（以下「DBJ」という。）は、このたび「GX実現に向けたペロブスカイト太陽電池への期待」と題した調査レポートを発行しました。 　No.420「 革新技術が描く電力系統の新たな可能性 」で言及したペロブスカイト太陽電池は、日本企業がサプライチェーン全体で競争力を持ち得る技術であり、また軽量性・柔軟性などの特徴を活かして建築物壁面等の新たな設置先への展開が期待される次世代型太陽電池です。 　当レポートは、日本におけるペロブスカイト太陽電池の普及および日本メーカーの競争力強化の観点から、ペロブスカイト太陽電池の動向を考察するものです。 　当レポートの詳細は、DBJ ウェブサイト「 調査研究レポート 」に掲載していますので、ご参照ください。 　DBJ は、企業理念「金融力で未来をデザインします～金融フロンティアの弛まぬ開拓を通じて、お客様及び社会の課題を解決し、日本と世界の持続的発展を実現します～」に基づき、今後とも地域に役立つ情報発信を積極的に行ってまいります。

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Hydropower Generation Projected to Rise, but Climate Change Brings Uncertain Future

A new analysis combines hydrology data with climate change models to help water managers prepare for hydropower’s future

Researchers found that hydropower generation may generally increase with climate change, although some regions face drier conditions. 

(Photograph by Andrea Starr | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)

RICHLAND, Wash.—In a new study assessing how climate change might alter hydropower generation across the continental United States, researchers show that except for some parts of the Southwest, hydropower generation is expected to rise in the future.

The analysis also shows that in the Pacific Northwest in the future, less water will be stored in the mountains as snowpack in the winter as warmer temperatures bring more rain. This seasonal shift will challenge water managers and grid operators to rebalance how and when to use dams to produce electricity.

“We know the climate is changing and we know that’ll affect how much water will be available to produce hydropower,” said Daniel Broman, a hydro-climatologist at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and lead author on the new paper. “Our research provides a consistent look across the country, so even if water and energy planners are only looking ahead regionally, our data can provide a broader outlook.”

The new study published on August 8 in  Environmental Research Letters .

How climate change affects hydropower

Water flows through 2,250 hydropower facilities across the United States, contributing 6% of the country’s electricity. Hydropower dominates in the Pacific Northwest, providing 60% of energy in the region. Dam operations don't just consider power, they also consider flood control, transportation routes and water for irrigation and support fisheries and natural ecosystems. So, understanding how water availability will change in the future is important for water managers when planning for their various resource needs.

To support this planning, DOE periodically releases a report known as the 9505 Assessment (referring to Section 9505 of the SECURE Water Act). The report provides a detailed assessment of climate change’s effects on hydropower facilities. The  third of these reports was delivered to Congress in December of 2023.

But that report only includes 132 facilities, all federally owned. The power they generate makes up 46% of the nation’s hydropower capacity, said study coauthor  Nathalie Voisin , chief scientist for water-energy dynamics at PNNL and a lead researcher on the project. To better understand how climate change may affect hydropower generation across the entire continental United States, the researchers added streamflow and hydropower generation data from an additional 1,412 non-federal facilities. 

The researchers teamed up with colleagues at DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, who have developed models that show how climate change might alter the timing and volume of water flow in streams and rivers over the next few decades. The PNNL team then ran that water flow data through models that captured the multiple uses of water and calculated hydropower generation for two time periods: a near-term period spanning 2020–2039 and a midterm period spanning 2040–2059.

The team found that hydropower production generally increases about 5% in the near term and 10% in the midterm across the continental United States. This could be because climate models generally show an increase in precipitation as Earth warms. 

Only one part of the country saw an average decrease in hydropower generation: in some parts of the Southwest, which is already facing drought, the models project a slight decrease in hydropower production between 3­­–6% in the near term. 

Broman stressed that because the future of climate change is uncertain, the range of possible outcomes for hydropower generation is large. For example, between 2020­­–2039, hydropower generation could change between –5­­–21% while in later years it could change –4­­–28%. 

Seasonal changes could also have big implications for how water is managed across the country, Broman said.

Hydropower changes by season

In the winter, the team found that hydropower generation may rise 12% in the near term and 18% in the midterm across the United States. Similarly, increased rainfall during the fall may lead to a near-term 5–20% rise in hydropower production in the Southeast, as well as smaller increases in the Northeast and Midwest. 

But some of the biggest hydropower generation changes may occur in the summer, especially in the West. In the summer, hydropower generation may decrease 1–5% in the western region of the country, while higher precipitation may increase hydropower generation in the eastern areas by 1–5%, both in the near-term.

Historically, mountain snowpack in the West has stored water until the late spring and summer. When the snow melts, that water generates more electricity. Now, due to increased temperatures, less snow accumulates on mountains and melts earlier in the year. The early snowmelt and shift toward rain in the winter means hydropower generates more electricity during the winter and less in the following spring and summer. 

“Snow is storage. If the snow melts earlier, it changes the timing and volume of water availability,” Voisin said. “And because temperatures are rising overall, the hydropower availability and energy demand might not be in sync.”

The future of hydropower

Voisin stressed that even if hydropower generation declines in certain seasons, it still offers a  reliable source of energy for the power grid. Like a coal or gas plant, hydropower can be dispatched as needed and provide stability to the grid as a whole—highlighting its flexibility as a renewable energy source. 

Broman and Voisin hope that power system operators and water managers can use the new consistent multiscale assessment and the accompanying data to inform water-energy tradeoffs discussions, such as hydropower flexibility needs amid other societal benefits of water uses. 

With climate change bringing an uncertain future, historical records don’t necessarily reflect what the next few decades may bring, Broman said. What’s more, “utilities may be thinking about hydropower generation under climate change for their own region, but the electricity grid is bigger than that.” 

This work was supported by the DOE  Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office as a part of the SECURE Water Act Section 9505 Assessment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory draws on its distinguishing strengths in chemistry , Earth sciences , biology and data science to advance scientific knowledge and address challenges in sustainable energy and national security . Founded in 1965, PNNL is operated by Battelle for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, which is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. DOE’s Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit https://www.energy.gov/science/ . For more information on PNNL, visit PNNL's News Center . Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , LinkedIn and Instagram .

Published: August 21, 2024

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