Book Machine Raises Copyright Issues
Yesterday I linked, in passing, to the Espresso Book Machine (video). The University of Missouri installed one last week. This week they’re reporting it raises copyright issues:
The machine, which is not yet open to the public, is capable of printing any PDF file provided by the customer. This enables customers to print anything they desire, regardless of whether it is copyrighted. But there are parameters in place to avoid copyright infringement.
“We will check everything submitted,” University Bookstore spokeswoman Michelle Froese said. “The staff will physically go through every submission.” [...]
Customers are required to sign a waiver that all materials are their own or they have secured permission to use it in their book. The waiver holds the customer responsible for any copyright laws they might violate.
It costs 6¢ per page to print a book on the machine. The school has published a copyright guide to inform people of copyright laws.
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3 Responses to “Book Machine Raises Copyright Issues”
Copyright law is a real challenge in the digital age, but the truth is, these are very old issues. Every public or school library in the country is filled with copyrighted works, and copy machines. The quality of the copies or the speed with which they can be made are not what determines if it violates copyright. The “fair use” provisions, when it comes down to it, are a matter of opinion. I don't see that this machine changes anything, really.
This would not be an issue if we had sane copyright laws.
at 6 cents a page it's cheaper to buy than pirate most materials.