This book explores the intricated evolution of flexibilities in copyright law, addressing some of the most pressing challenges the copyright balance has faced in the past decades. In the digital age, copyright law's role as a regulatory framework has grown, demanding even greater clarity and flexibility regarding access and use of protected works. EU harmonization efforts have added complexity by introducing detailed rules that impact on the copyright balance. This book goes beyond the existing EU copyright framework to critically analyze its current state of the art and make policy recommendations for the future.
The concept of "copyright flexibilities" is examined from various angles, including rights definition, subject matter and scope of protection, copyright contracts, enforcement, exceptions and limitations, exhaustion, and the fair balance between copyright and fundamental rights. Instead of a fragmented approach, the collection takes a holistic view to copyright flexibilities, considering them as a multifaceted and intrinsic element of copyright law expressed through various mechanisms. Particular emphasis is put on technological, economic, cultural, and societal trends, which challenge established concepts in copyright policy. The book will be of interest to students and scholars in the field of copyright law in the EU and beyond.
