The Internationalisation of Copyright Law

Technological developments have shaped copyright law''s development and now the prospect of endless effortless digital copying poses a significant challenge to modern copyright law. Many complain that copyright protection has burgeoned wildly far beyond its original boundaries. Some have questioned whether copyright can survive the digital age. From a historical perspective however many of these ''new'' challenges are simply fresh presentations of familiar dilemmas. This book explores the history of international copyright law and looks at how this history is relevant today. It focuses on international copyright during the nineteenth century as it affected Europe the British colonies (particularly Canada) America and the UK. As we consider the reform of modern copyright law nineteenth-century experiences offer highly relevant empirical evidence. Copyright law has proved itself robust and flexible over several centuries. If directed with vision Seville argues it can negotiate cyberspace.