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For any person at any economic level, it has always been possible to create their own "creative
works" such as writings, music, books, movie scripts, etc.
When a work is created, it is automatically copyrighted on the completion as long it is
tangible. Registration of material to the copyright office is optional, but recommended
by many if proper legal protection is desired.
When a individual copies a piece of work from another company for a funny online cartoon
or video, like Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse, it doesn't do much damage to the Disney Corporation
except to deprive them of a few royalty dollars. This is still wrong, but trivial to the overall
economic damage to this big corporation - No specific individuals go without a meal due
to this theft. Again, still wrong but the point is copyrights can and do protect the
small guy and those with creative works in developing countries just like the big guys
such as Disney.
However, if a corporation took the individual's idea, it actually does deprive of the individual
of money, and this is especially devastating if that individual lives in an impoverished
nation.
This is reason it's very important to have strong copyright laws and treaties worldwide
so that individual can have his chance at making a viable living from their ideas.
In fact, Mr. Walt Disney himself started with one drawing that grew into a major power in
the entertainment industry. Poor people of all nations deserve this same opportunity
to better themselves and the world around them.
The internet makes the world smaller, more accessible, through the global pool of ideas
and creative works. This is why international copyright laws and treaties are so critical
to the economic growth of developing nations.
It's always been true that people at all economic levels have been able to develop "creative
works" and sell these works, but now everyone can access global markets beyond where a person
in poverty may reside to other markets with affluent customers and more mature publishing
industries.
The ability to copyright and enforce a copyright through international treaties and laws, is
essential to all people to protect what is rightfully theirs regardless of where they
live or level of personal wealth.
The ability for an individual to copyright their own ideas in the global marketplace
is a basic human right - The right to profit from those ideas to feed families, contribute
to communities, and grow as people; centers on the heart of humanity itself.