Copyright in Islamic Law Project
Ali Ekber ÇINAR · İslam Tetkikleri Dergisi / Journal of Islamic Review · 2025
The first phase of the Copyright in Islamic Law Project involved the formation of a reading group, the "Reading Group on the Legal, Philosophical, and Historical Foundations of Copyright."Comprising researchers from various fields, the group carried out an in-depth study of how copyright law has evolved in the Western world and looked at the concept from intellectual, legal, and historical angles.3 More specifically, this stage involved a detailed examination of how copyright law developed in both Anglo-Saxon and Continental European legal systems.By analyzing court rulings, legislative milestones, and scholarly research, the participants mapped out the growth and changes in copyright legislation over time.Following that, the group's monthly meetings focused on exploring different theories of copyright law.They delved into various concepts to deepen their grasp of the core principles behind copyright.The group compared theories such as the labour theory and personality theory, which highlight the value of creative work and authors' inherent rights, with utilitarianism, which stresses the economic and societal advantages of copyright protection.They also examined how copyright law intersects with broader issues such as monopolistic power, public welfare, and human rights.As they explored how to balance public access to creative works with protecting authors' rights, the participants carefully considered the impact of monopolistic practices and the broader societal implications.The end of these discussions in December 2022 was a significant milestone for the group.The year's discussions had deepened their understanding of the theoretical and historical aspects of copyright law.Additionally, these efforts laid a strong foundation for future studies on how copyright law applies today, its adaptability to technological advances, and its alignment with evolving cultural norms.