CONTENT HEREIN DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT TO BE CONSTRUED AS SUCH.
"An act for the encouragement of learning, ..." -- [United States] Copyright Act,1790.
Lost at times in the discussion of copyright law is its original intent clearly stated by the Founders -- to encourage the creation and dissemination of learning. In pursuit of that goal lawmakers have protected the rights and interests of creators to encourage creation, and the rights and interests of those who come after to build on those creations This loop drives the development and progress of culture.