The latest episode of Copy This will have you humming along to classic melodies by the Beatles, and more current rhythmic jives to help introduce listeners to the role copyright law plays in enabling social justice movements.

While many may think about copyright law in terms of music, books and movies and how to access them, Lateef Mtima, Professor of Law at the Howard University School of Law and Founder and Director of The Institute for Intellectual Property and Social Justice, points to the Constitution to remind listeners that copyright’s “most important function is to provide people with knowledge, to educate themselves… to share ideas and information.”

In the digital age where people can immediately share a photograph or video with their community, copyright can be a powerful tool to prevent the sharing of this type of material. It is this concerning use of copyright law that drew Lateef to his current work and why he speaks so passionately about the fair use doctrine and its important uses to society.

From the Black Lives Matter movement, to the high profile “Blurred Lines” case that has pitted Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams against Marvin Gaye’s estate, and even led to varying opinions across the full spectrum of the copyright community, Lateef helps bring to light copyright discussions that are playing out in communities and the courts in real time today so be sure to tune in.

Copy This is available to listen on Soundcloud, iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Overcast and Pocket Casts.