Protection of copyrighted digital works, however, could result in a lock-down of intellectual content that would mean less public access to knowledge and ideas. Some publishers of books, magazines, newspapers and other traditional materials say they are unwilling to distribute their materials over the Internet for fear of massive piracy. Industry representatives have been very outspoken and generally favor tighter control over intellectual property and more protection for their products. Media Companies Industries like television, film and music are major players in the copyright arena and are involved in strong lobbying efforts for their interests. Not only are these companies large and influential within this country, but the U.S. media industries do much of their business abroad.
Intellectual property accounts for a very favorable trade balance for the United States.
Software Companies Software is covered by copyright but is also frequently pirated both in the U.S. and abroad. Software companies are concerned about the ways in which digital communications systems such as the Internet make software piracy easy. Authors, Songwriters, Playwrights For most commercially published works the individual author has granted the publisher some or all of the rights covered by copyright law. However, individuals still rely on the revenue from their work as income and to the extent that they retain rights in the work they have a direct interest in its protection. Libraries and Schools Libraries and schools are two institutions whose role is to provide access to a wide range of information.