Is Efficient Copyright a Reasonable Goal?

19 Pages Posted: 9 Sep 2011

See all articles by Stan J. Liebowitz

Stan J. Liebowitz

University of Texas at Dallas - School of Management - Department of Finance & Managerial Economics

Date Written: September 6, 2011

Abstract

If we could create an economically efficient copyright law, would we want to do so? That is the question I attempt to answer in this Essay. Even though economists typically argue in favor of efficiency - and I am as guilty of this as most - my answer here is that society should not favor an economically efficient copyright law. Efficiency would lead to disparate and inferior treatment for the creators of copyrighted works compared to workers in other types of industries.

Keywords: copyright, intellectual property, patent, Henry George, fabian socialism

Suggested Citation

Liebowitz, Stan J., Is Efficient Copyright a Reasonable Goal? (September 6, 2011). George Washington Law Review, Vol. 79, 2011, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1923472

Stan J. Liebowitz (Contact Author)

University of Texas at Dallas - School of Management - Department of Finance & Managerial Economics ( email )

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Richardson, TX 75080
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HOME PAGE: http://www.utdallas.edu/~liebowit/

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