Collective Rights and Digital Content

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This book begins with an exercise that prompts a theoretical reflection on the technological evolution impacting the production, consumption, and management of intellectual content under copyright. It sets the stage for an analysis of the new European Directive, exploring its enhancements, trends, and controversies, particularly regarding competition, transparency, and multi-territorial licensing. The rise of digital technologies and networks has significantly increased the production and distribution of intellectual content, which is rooted in the infinite resource of creativity, making it a vital artistic, cultural, social, economic, and informational asset. Managing the rights and obligations in this complex system, especially collectively, poses significant challenges. The European Directive on collective management of copyright and related rights aims to create a legal framework for managing authors' rights in a digital landscape, a crucial step toward a fully integrated Single Market. As part of the Digital Agenda for Europe, it seeks to simplify and improve the efficiency of collective rights management by addressing key issues affecting collecting societies. This book serves as a resource for students, academics, and practitioners, enhancing their understanding of these dynamics and fostering collaboration with policymakers in the process of implementing the Directive into national legislation.