If the users of the new communications technologies insist on using authors' works without giving some appropriate compensation in return, they will find that sooner or later there will be no authors worth reading and no works worth reproducing. (Author)

Recognizing that the new copyright law will come into effect during an era of accelerating technological advancements in communications, Congress left certain issues open. Discussed are copyright protection for works of the U.S. government, performing rights in sound recordings, computer uses of copyrighted works, reproduction and distribution by…

The legislative history of the new copyright law is reviewed and comparisons are made with earlier drafts regarding duration of copyright, works protected, exclusive rights in general, performing and broadcasting rights, compulsory licensing, fair use and photocopying, transfers, and manufacturing requirements. Available from: New York Law School,…