SHIFTING TRENDS IN THE DIGITAL AGE: PROTECTION OF EXPRESSION VERSUS IDEAS IN THE US COPYRIGHT LAW

This study is about exploring the shifting trends in today's digital age, particularly with regard to the protection of expression versus ideas as understood in the US copyright law. The study utilized the qualitative approach in order to address the objectives identified. Accordingly, findings from the study revealed that expression and ideas, in the context of the copyright law, can be deemed in contrast with freedom of speech based on how it is exercised through the Internet channel. Grounded on this notion, this study concludes that the US copyright law protects copyrighted materials wherein the law is not intended to limit people from exercising freedom of speech, rather educate people regarding the extent of the protection of the rights of copyrighted materials so as to prevent reproduction without authorization especially in the digital age.