Summary

This critical study of intellectual property in the new media environment highlights the ways in which issues of intellectual property are driving the contemporary media economy, from disputes over downloading music from the Internet to negotiations over David Beckham's image rights. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the book provides the media student with a clear understanding of how intellectual property laws shape and are shaped by the needs of the media industry. As Richard Haynes demonstrates, the media industry exploits copyright and trademarks in new and seemingly boundless ways whether it's the blockbuster movie Harry Potter or successful children's television programme Bob the Builder. The book focuses on:*The underlying importance of intellectual property rights to the media industry*The impact of digitalisation on the protection of copyright*The response of the music industry to digital distribution and copyright piracy*The strategic decisions of broadcasters to acquire sports rights*The importance of tertiary rights and their role in the television marketplace*The emergence of celebrity image rights*Issues of copyright and the Internet.Through case studies, chapter-by-chapter exercises, further reading and selected Internet links Media Rights and Intellectual Property fills the need for a clear and concise guide for the media student not versed in the finer details of media law.