Policy on Open Access to Science: A Law and Social Norms Perspective

McGill's Centre for Intellectual Property Policy presents Professor Roberto Caso of the University of Trento, who will speak on "Policy on Open Access to Science: A Law and Social Norms Perspective".

Abstract

From a scholarly perspective based on communalism, universalism, disinterestedness, originality, and skepticism, copyright law is an unfriendly legal environment. Its inadequacy to new technology, coupled with poorly drafted legislation and a weak system of limitations on exclusive rights, has a chilling effect on scientific innovation, which is based on the use, reuse and recasting of past and current knowledge.

The Open Access (OA) movement is challenging this state of affairs. While the majority of current discussion about OA focuses on cost and sustainability, other interesting issues emerge, including the relationship among OA policies, formal law, and social norms within the scientific community. This lecture will take a closer look at these.

This event is free to the public, but lawyers seeking continuing legal education credits for the Quebec Bar (1.5 hours) are asked to pay $30 upon arriving.

For more information, please contact david.groves [at] mail.mcgill.ca.