The Statute of Anne

A legal document that serves as a foundational piece of copyright law, written in the early 18th century. This statute was introduced during the reign of Queen Anne and aims to govern the rights of authors and publishers regarding the control and sale of printed works. It addresses issues surrounding the printing and reproduction of books without consent from their authors. The content of the book outlines the rights granted to authors and publishers, specifying the terms during which they have control over their works. It establishes a framework for the registration of books and the penalties for infringing these rights. Importantly, it highlights the shift towards protecting the interests of authors, indicating a historical evolution in intellectual property rights from a focus on publishers to the creators themselves. The statute also includes provisions for addressing pricing complaints, ensuring that the publishing market remains fair and regulated, reflecting early attempts to balance commercial interests with literary protection.