Internet-Based Fans: Why the Entertainment Industries Cannot Depend on Traditional Copyright Protections

Abstract

This Comment examines the relationship between the most prominent entertainment industries on the Internet-traditional (movies, music, television) and interactive (software and console video games)-and their Web-based fans. The conclusion is simple: current intellectual property law cannot adequately protect the entertainment industries' intellectual property from casual "fan" infringers on the Internet.

Part II of this Comment is a survey of issues in copyright and other intellectual property ("IP") law, particularly in light of new technology. Part III is a detailed look at issues and cases that define current Internet law. Part IV is a summary of the entertainment industries and the status of their copyrights on the Internet. Part V is an analysis of the obstacles that prevent the entertainment industries from rescuing their intellectual property from their fans. Part VI is a brief look at some alternative ways to protect entertainment intellectual property on the Internet. Finally, Part VII concludes that the entertainment industries are more likely to benefit from the changes than to lose.