Iriya
22-01-2004, 17:45
The resolution currently at vote should -not- be allowed to pass. Yes, on the face of it this resolution seems profitable to all. However- there are many grey areas in the law they set forth, the first being..
1. "Copyright/Patent organizations be modified to accommodate the number of requests for copyright. This should be done by establishing a new International Copyright Organization, with chapters in every capital. This agency would receive other chapters' copyrights, and send copyrights established in that country to all other chapters. With the Internet Age, this is a simple process. "
Who is sending the copyrights? As seems this is an independant world governing body, who is it accountable to? Governments throughout the UN are not uniform- the fear being that more repressive states will not allow copyrighting, or take those patents and copyrights for themselves. This is an unjust practise that is likely to occur if this resolution is passed. And the UN, by enacting it's use in member countries is furthering the cycle of oppression that many people in our fair world are caught in.
2. "4. An additional sub-agency be created to be informed of, and monitor all copyright/patent infringements. Reducing the need for the government to take the time to investigate the actions. A recommended course of action will then be reported, and a court of the nation of the offender make the ruling."
This is an infringement on the soverignty of nations. To make copyright laws international takes the power out of the hands of the government itself. To enact this in your country would be to allow international law makers to move against your citizens. This pertains specifically to investigation, however, consider these facts. 1. Investigation is a lengthy process, and given the size of this world, copy right infringement panels could eventually take years to investigate. Also, this investigation is open to corruption, and is not accoutnable to anyone. Theoretically, all information supplied could be flawed and yet there is no process set out to circumvent this. This contravenes citizens rights to a fair and speedy trial. 2. Furthermore, a panel of UN members would need to be created, and as internationally accountable figures they are more susceptible to blackmail and favourtism than others. Imagine your enemy taking control of one of your own citizens investigations. This is a political tool as much everything else. 3. THere is no process currently in this resolution that poses a trial. Investigation, recommendation, ruling. A ruling is not a trial, and thus opens up this law to abuse by corrupt powers.
Finally- this law is a misrepresentation as it will not open up free trade and lift the barriers to international commerce. Pantent and copyright are a very minor role in the distribution of goods. If it were to open up free trade, the economic consequences for individual member nations could be disasterous. There has been no economic report made to illuminate the dangers of this path, however the possibilities are clear. Many nations exist as fair governing bodies, however, those that are corrupt in their governing are free to take advantage of free trade. Lower wages or none to their employees/slaves means cheaper goods and services, which in turn are bought by nations requiring them. If you a producer of the same goods, and cannot lower your price, you stand to lose billions in revenue. Furthermore, this encourages inhumane treatment of citizens and corruption at the government level.
Say no to international copyright and patent laws- atleast in the form presented.
Say no to free trade- always. The implications are devastating.
1. "Copyright/Patent organizations be modified to accommodate the number of requests for copyright. This should be done by establishing a new International Copyright Organization, with chapters in every capital. This agency would receive other chapters' copyrights, and send copyrights established in that country to all other chapters. With the Internet Age, this is a simple process. "
Who is sending the copyrights? As seems this is an independant world governing body, who is it accountable to? Governments throughout the UN are not uniform- the fear being that more repressive states will not allow copyrighting, or take those patents and copyrights for themselves. This is an unjust practise that is likely to occur if this resolution is passed. And the UN, by enacting it's use in member countries is furthering the cycle of oppression that many people in our fair world are caught in.
2. "4. An additional sub-agency be created to be informed of, and monitor all copyright/patent infringements. Reducing the need for the government to take the time to investigate the actions. A recommended course of action will then be reported, and a court of the nation of the offender make the ruling."
This is an infringement on the soverignty of nations. To make copyright laws international takes the power out of the hands of the government itself. To enact this in your country would be to allow international law makers to move against your citizens. This pertains specifically to investigation, however, consider these facts. 1. Investigation is a lengthy process, and given the size of this world, copy right infringement panels could eventually take years to investigate. Also, this investigation is open to corruption, and is not accoutnable to anyone. Theoretically, all information supplied could be flawed and yet there is no process set out to circumvent this. This contravenes citizens rights to a fair and speedy trial. 2. Furthermore, a panel of UN members would need to be created, and as internationally accountable figures they are more susceptible to blackmail and favourtism than others. Imagine your enemy taking control of one of your own citizens investigations. This is a political tool as much everything else. 3. THere is no process currently in this resolution that poses a trial. Investigation, recommendation, ruling. A ruling is not a trial, and thus opens up this law to abuse by corrupt powers.
Finally- this law is a misrepresentation as it will not open up free trade and lift the barriers to international commerce. Pantent and copyright are a very minor role in the distribution of goods. If it were to open up free trade, the economic consequences for individual member nations could be disasterous. There has been no economic report made to illuminate the dangers of this path, however the possibilities are clear. Many nations exist as fair governing bodies, however, those that are corrupt in their governing are free to take advantage of free trade. Lower wages or none to their employees/slaves means cheaper goods and services, which in turn are bought by nations requiring them. If you a producer of the same goods, and cannot lower your price, you stand to lose billions in revenue. Furthermore, this encourages inhumane treatment of citizens and corruption at the government level.
Say no to international copyright and patent laws- atleast in the form presented.
Say no to free trade- always. The implications are devastating.