Parody Works on the Internet: Exceptions or Copyright Infringement?
摘要
A parody is a work of literature or art that imitates the style of another creator in a funny or sarcastic way. A parody is known as protected by copyright law. Parody is exempted from copyright law infringement on the grounds of freedom of expression. However, a parody work can threaten the original work by compromising the reputation of the creator of the original work and at the same time compromising the economic value of the work. Therefore, this article aims to explore the issue whether parody still entitled to exemption from copyright infringement due to the existence of parody works rampant over the Internet? This article will indirectly look at the extent to which parody work can be used as an exception to copyright infringement. This article employs the doctrinal content analysis technique by reviewing the relevant primary and secondary data sources such as statutory legal provisions, case law, and other legal and non-legal literature that are pertinent to parody and copyright laws. This paper concludes that a parody work is generally not a violation of copyright. However, if a work is parodied to the detriment of the reputation of the original creator, then legal action can be taken under the Copyright Act 1987.