I came across this article in my Linkedin feed. Certainly a catching headline don't you think?
Now over the years I have seen artists hit the headlines because someone (normally a well known brand) has stolen there ideas and started it selling as their own and making a profit. Something that upsets me is seeing artists not getting the recognition they deserve or even having work stolen simply because they shared it online, most likely to their portfolio. A common problem that has been going on for centuries and since gotten worst since the dawn of the internet. Finally a law that will protect the artist.
Sadly not the case. Let's look at the current copy write law
Copyright is an automatic right and arises whenever an individual or company
creates a work. To qualify, a work should be regarded as original, and exhibit
a degree of labour, skill or judgement.
Interpretation is related to the independent creation rather than the idea
behind the creation. For example, your idea for a book would not itself be
protected, but the actual content of a book you write would be. In other words,
someone else is still entitled to write their own book around the same idea,
provided they do not directly copy or adapt yours to do so.More details here
The new law proposed law will means that when you upload something it will be checked against a database to see if it is the same or similar to another piece that has been registered and could be rejected for upload.
So if you have a piece of work that was in anyway inspired my another your work may never see the light of day. Unless your provider is willing to pay compensation.
This just angers me. How many artists are now being seen thanks to social media? Someone taking a photo of their art and share it? How many are finally having a voice to share their hearts? This can all end of this regulation comes through.What about employment? Most employers require an online portfolio of some form.
This is an extreme reaction to a ongoing problem. I can understand, bigger brands wanting to protect what is theirs but art is to be shared. Take a look at the Kevin the Carrot advert for Aldi this Christmas? It had a bit of fun with the traditional 'holidays are coming' advert from Coca Cola. Huge outrage that Aldi dared to try and steal the idea from Coke Cola. But for the 2 brands it was a bit of fun, Coca Cola even offered to help Save Kevin
This is sharing and having fun together. The proposed law will stop this, the voices will be silenced and thous who are fighting for their work to be seen in a crowd will vanish unless they have the money.
If this proposed law passes, it can cause more damage that it solves. Sadly I cannot come up with a fool proof solution but reading on how these change can affect everyone is unsettling. The day of carrying around your portfolio in a big portfolio bag may be back.
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