We are creators, advocates, thinkers, users, and consumers who stand for a copyright system grounded in the Founders’ promise to “promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts.” We uphold and endorse the following principles:
Creativity: We strive to uphold the honored, privileged legal place granted to those who discover knowledge and create art. Understanding that a cultural commons is vital to future creativity, we support a vibrant public domain. Creativity does not occur in a bubble – most creative works are based on previous creations, and the constant regeneration and growth of creativity should be supported.
Balance: We believe society must support both those who originate works and the rights of those who legally access, use and acquire them. A balanced copyright system must acknowledge the vital roles of those who own, experience, learn from, consume, and transform the creations of others.
Freedom: We support the constitutional promise that all people should be able to express themselves freely and believe that such expression includes the use of works created by others. Efforts to increase restrictions and enforcement of U.S. copyright law would lead to an unbalanced system that threatens the guarantees of the First Amendment while chilling technological innovation, artistic endeavor, and scholarly advance.
