How would the copyright law evolve in the next 20 years?

Predicting the precise evolution of copyright law over the next 20 years is challenging due to the dynamic nature of technology, cultural shifts, and legislative decisions. However, based on historical patterns, ongoing debates, and emerging technologies, we can anticipate a few possible trends:

1. Digital Rights Management (DRM) and Anti-Circumvention: As digital content becomes more prevalent, there will be increasing efforts to prevent unauthorized access and distribution. This might mean stronger DRM technologies and stricter laws against their circumvention.
2. Fair Use Expansion or Clarification: With the rise of user-generated content, memes, remix culture, and other transformative works, there could be a push to clarify or expand the definition of “fair use.”
3. Global Harmonization: With the global nature of the internet, there may be increased efforts to harmonize copyright laws internationally to provide consistent protection and enforcement mechanisms.
4. Duration of Copyright: Historically, the duration of copyright protection has been extended several times, especially in the US. However, there might be discussions about whether to continue this trend or reconsider the ideal length for protection.
5. Public Domain Enhancement: There could be increased interest in ensuring works move to the public domain in a reasonable timeframe, allowing for cultural and societal benefits.
6. Addressing AI and Machine Learning: As AI-generated content becomes more common, copyright laws will need to address questions like: Who owns the rights to AI-generated content? Can AI creations be copyrighted at all?
7. Micro-licensing and Automated Royalty Payments: Technologies like blockchain could facilitate new ways of licensing content and automating royalty payments, making it easier for creators to get compensated for smaller uses of their works.
8. Decentralized Platforms and Copyright Enforcement: With the growth of decentralized platforms and technologies, enforcement of copyright might become more challenging. Laws and regulations might evolve to address this new landscape.
9. Access to Knowledge: Especially in academic and research contexts, there might be a push for more open-access policies to foster innovation and knowledge dissemination.
10. Platform Liability: There will likely be continued debates on the responsibility of online platforms in policing copyright infringement versus user freedom and rights.
11. Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge: Recognizing the importance of preserving and respecting indigenous and traditional knowledge, there might be efforts to offer special copyright or related rights.
12. New Models for Compensation: With changes in media consumption habits and the digital landscape, we might see the emergence of new models for compensating creators, beyond traditional sales or licensing.

In conclusion, while it’s impossible to predict with certainty, the evolution of copyright law will be shaped by technological advances, societal values, and the global nature of content dissemination. Stakeholders ranging from creators, consumers, industries, and policymakers will all play a role in shaping the future direction of copyright law.