re: The 1710 Statute of Anne (Copyright Act 1710)

Widely regarded as the first modern copyright statute, it recognized authors—not publishers—as the primary owners of their works, granting…

re: The 1710 Statute of Anne (Copyright Act 1710)

Widely regarded as the first modern copyright statute, it recognized authors—not publishers—as the primary owners of their works, granting them exclusive reproduction rights. Originally, the law covered a 14-year term, extendable by another 14 if the author was still alive. The statute aimed to encourage learning and creativity by safeguarding authors’ interests and regulating the printing trade. Though centuries old, it remains foundational to how we understand copyright today.