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The problems with software are just examples of the problems found generally with creativity. Our trend in copyright law has been to enclose as much as we can; the consequence of this enclosure is a stifling of creativity and innovation. If the Internet teaches us anything, it is that great value comes from leaving core resources in a commons, where they're free for people to build upon as they see fit.

Lawrence Lessig#14

CopyrightInnovationInternetSoftware

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About this quote

What does it mean?
Copyright trends that enclose resources stifle creativity, while leaving core resources open allows value to build upon them.
In plain terms
Closing up resources with copyright stops creativity, but leaving them open helps people build value.
What can you take from it?
Open commons foster innovation while enclosing resources stifles it.

Where it applies

  • tech development
  • policy design
  • open source

Putting it to work

  • support open sources
  • advocate for commons
  • reduce enclosure

Questions to consider

  • How does openness affect value?
  • What should be common?

Another view

Not all resources are suitable for open commons without some protection.

More from Lawrence Lessig

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  3. While the creative works from the 16th century can still be accessed and used by others, the data in some software programs from the 1990s is already inaccessi…

    Permalink to quote #12

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