Thaweesakdhi Suvagondha
Introduction
Copyrighted products—ranging from books, music, films, software, educational tools, and digital content—represent the backbone of creative industries and intellectual property economies. With the global shift towards digitalization, the demand for both mass and personalized content has surged, underscoring the relevance of copyright as a catalyst for value creation across multiple sectors.
1. Defining Mass and Personalized Content
Mass Content
Mass content refers to creative works designed for broad audiences. These include:
Broadcast media (TV, radio, movies)
Mainstream music and books
Public campaigns
Widely circulated software and apps
Mass content is typically standardized, aiming for wide distribution and accessibility.
Personalized Content
Personalized content is customized for individual preferences or niche groups, often supported by data analytics and AI. Examples include:
Personalized e-learning module
Custom-curated music or video playlists
Targeted advertising content
Niche interest blogs or forums
Copyright ensures the protection and commercial viability of both content types, enabling creators to scale their works or tailor them effectively.
2. Significant Benefits of Copyrighted Products
Economic Benefits
Job Creation: Copyright-intensive industries (film, publishing, software) generate millions of jobs globally.
GDP Contribution: Countries with robust copyright systems report high GDP contributions from creative sectors.
Trade & Exports: Copyrighted media, software, and branded content are key exports (e.g., Hollywood movies, Japanese anime, Korean pop).
SME Empowerment: Small businesses and freelancers benefit from selling copyrighted digital products (ebooks, courses, software).
b. Technological Benefits
Incentivizes Innovation: Copyright encourages tech companies to develop new tools (AI, streaming, immersive tech) by protecting the IP value.
Digital Platforms: Services like Spotify, Netflix, and e-learning platforms thrive by licensing copyrighted content.
Interoperability & Standardization: Licensing frameworks promote standard formats for sharing and innovation.
c. Political Benefits
Soft Power: Nations export their values and culture globally through copyrighted media (e.g., U.S. films, French literature).
Diplomacy & Policy Influence: Cultural diplomacy is strengthened via copyrighted national productions.
National Security: Copyright laws help prevent misinformation by supporting authentic content distribution.
d. Cultural Benefits
Cultural Identity Preservation: Copyright supports the preservation of indigenous music, folklore, and traditional art forms.
Global Cultural Exchange: Translated and subtitled copyrighted works foster understanding among cultures.
Diversity & Inclusion: Copyright allows underrepresented voices to distribute their stories independently.
e. Educational Benefits
Incentivized Content Creation: Educators and institutions develop textbooks, videos, and e-learning modules knowing their rights are protected.
Open Access Licensing: Copyright frameworks allow for flexible models like Creative Commons in academic and public education.
EdTech Growth: Digital educational content—protected under copyright—is a cornerstone of global learning innovations.
f. Entertainment Benefits
Sustainable Entertainment Industry: Revenue from copyright licensing supports filmmakers, game developers, writers, and musicians.
Streaming & Gaming Revolution: On-demand models like Netflix, YouTube, and Steam are powered by copyright-protected content.
Fan Engagement: Licensing enables fan content, merchandising, and franchising opportunities.
g. Religious Benefits
Preservation of Sacred Texts: Copyright supports the accurate reproduction and protection of religious texts and translations.
Faith-Based Content Creation: Sermons, devotionals, religious music, and media apps benefit from copyright for commercial or non-profit distribution.
Global Dissemination: Digital copyrighted media allows for global sharing of religious teachings and practices with integrity.
Conclusion
Copyrighted products—whether designed for mass audiences or personalized experiences—play a transformative role in economic development, technological innovation, cultural enrichment, and societal education. Strengthening copyright systems ensures that creators are rewarded fairly and that users gain access to high-quality, diverse, and meaningful content across all domains of life.