Copyright this!

School students participating in the finals of the Institute of Ideas & Pfizer Debating Matters Competition debate the motion Copyright benefits the arts. Expert judges raise challenging questions while sixth form students hold their ground. An inspiring preparation seminar featuring Sandy Starr and Tania Spriggens takes us beyond the usual arguments and moans by the music and film industry about illegal downloads and pirate DVDs costing them a packet. We are led to consider the impact of copyright on freedom of expression, how creative ideas emerge and the unique nature of artistic labour. WORLDbytes volunteers filmed and edited this vital debate and checked out public opinion on the streets of London.

Recommended links:

• Debating Matters Topic Guide: Copyright
• New Statesman Article: Stealing Beauty
• Guardian comment is free piece by Helienne Lindvall: Going for a song
• DACS: The Design and Artists Copyright Society website
• Article by Sandy Starr: Copyright: decide it in the open
• Article by Sandy Starr: The people vs. copyright: summary, response, and next steps