Copyfraud and Other Abuses of Intellectual Property Law

Very important book, especially as Congress is considering expanding the already extensive powers of copyright owners.

Intellectual property commentary has not spent enough time on the fact of IP overenforcement as it confronts users. Mazzone's book highlights an underappreciated problem of rights fabrication that threatens to become a form of private legislation. If the intellectual property system is to genuinely promote innovation and creativity, it will need to address the problems he describes. Mazzone's policy recommendations are wise and often original, both recognizing and building on a large law review literature on IP reform.

There are many works that critique copyright overenforcement, but none frames the issue in the way that Mazzone does. Moreover, his closing arguments present a uniquely level-headed and persuasive account of the policy changes that could improve matters.

Mazzone hits the "sweet spot" between sparse summary and prolix pontification. Mazzone is a gifted writer who can make an argument about even dry topics move briskly and engagingly. Overall, a wonderful read and a worthy contribution to the IP literature.

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