Copyleft Vs. Copyright: A Comparative Study
- IJLLR Journal
- Sep 23
- 1 min read
Fatma Farheen, PhD Scholar, Amity University Lucknow Campus
ABSTRACT
This comparative study explores the concepts of copyright and copyleft, examining their legal frameworks, economic implications, impacts on innovation and creativity, and cultural and social considerations within the Indian context. Copyright, governed by the Copyright Act of 1957, grants creators exclusive rights to monetize their works, providing significant economic incentives and supporting industries such as publishing, film, and music. However, it faces challenges related to monopolistic practices, digital piracy, and restricted access to knowledge. Copyleft, popularized by the Free Software Foundation through licenses like the GNU General Public License, promotes open access and collaborative innovation, ensuring that derivative works remain freely accessible. While copyleft reduces costs and enhances inclusivity, it challenges traditional revenue models and may limit professional participation. This study suggests that a balanced approach, leveraging the strengths of both copyright and copyleft, can foster a dynamic and inclusive intellectual property ecosystem in India, supporting creativity, innovation, and fair compensation for creators.
Keywords: copyright, copyleft, intellectual property rights, India, Copyright Act of 1957, GNU General Public License, innovation, creativity, economic implications, cultural heritage, digital piracy, open access, collaborative innovation.
