The Conflict Between Copyright and Freedom of Speech

Abstract

Copyright, on one hand, promotes freedom of speech, and on the other hand, restricts or hinders free speech. To ensure the harmony and balance between copyright and freedom of speech for the development of a democratic society in which products of creativity are respected, there must be legal mechanisms to address the conflict between copyright and freedom of speech. This Article analyzes the nature and origin of the conflict between copyright and freedom of speech and explores current legal solutions in some countries to resolve this conflict, thus lays out some suggestions for Vietnamese law.

Keywords: Copyright, intellectual property right, freedom of speech, freedom of expression.

References: 

[1] English Bill of Rights 1689, https://avalon.law.yale.edu/17th_century/england.asp
[2] Declaration of Human and Civic Rights of 26 August 1789, Article 11, https://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/sites/default/files/as/root/bank_mm/anglais/cst2.pdf.
[3] U.S. Constitution, Amendment I, https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/first_amendment
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