Napster Killed the Video Star

 


As an author, I can personally attest to the importance of intellectual property protection. Writers, artists, musicians, tech companies, fashion designers, news media, anyone who creates for mass consumption, we all depend on it,.

From foreign counterfeiting to illegal downloading and copying of music, creative works are under attack now more than ever. Artists must protect themselves, and individuals must be wary of breaking the law.

Technology is only making matters worse. While Napster lost its argument that it was merely a music sharing service, the damage it did endures. YouTube and other social media have long claimed immunity to intellectual property litigation but may soon find themselves accountable for allowing posting of infringed materials. At the same time unravelling infringement claims is becoming increasingly difficult.

The severity of this matter and its spiraling economic and cultural toll are impossible to overstate. Learning to respect others creative rights and developing the necessary habits to do so are why academic penalties for plagiarism are so important.

MTV launched in 1981 with "Video Killed the Radio Star," featuring The Buggles. Founding member Trevor Howard appears above. Just for fun, check out the story behind the song.

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