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Hi, I am a student of DLSU- Manila doing a research paper in English. I was wondering if there is anyone who can help me with my research paper in English about the lack of implementation of the copyright law in the Philippines on digital books (or eBooks). Attached is the list of research questions. I would really appreciate it if anyone of you can help me out.
Thank you for all your time and kind consideration.
1. Do you think tha lack of implementation of the copyright law in the Philippines on digital books will be a hindrance or benefit to students?
Probably not. The cost should be considerably less because there is technically no cost of production of the actual book. The payment mostly goes to royalties.
Also,
While the copyright law applies to digital books, there is the Presidential Decree No. 285 authorizing the compulsory “reprinting” of learning books, etc., which, I submit, could be applied by analogy to digital books. For educational and other academic purposes, therefore, there may be no hindrance.
But research also on how this Presidential Decree is amended/modified by the GATT. International Economic and Trade Law is not my field. – Atty. Punzi
2. If it can benefit, what do you think will be the effects of it on the publishing industry?
As to the publishing industry, I think it will definitely suffer to a certain extent. But not much because still only a relative few people have computer let alone access and utilize digital books.
3. What measures do you think the Philippine government should do to implement the copyright law on digital books?
The law, I think, is already sufficient to cover digital books.
4. How widespread is digital books in the present in the Philippines?
Not that much in my field. But a lot of people in my field don’t even know how to use a computer. I don’t know about the academic scene, however.
In theory, digital books are more portable simply because of huge memory capacities of today’s portable devices. Heck, you can even carry ebooks in your phone. I do. I have most of the laws (codals) I need in everyday practice in my N9500 (with 512Mb MMC card). I even have zip files of most of the current Philippine laws, thanks to PocketLex.
5. Do you think that digital books can take the place of hardcopy books? If yes, what will be the effects?
At this point no. Digital books are still hard to read in the small screens of current readers. Maybe this will change with the advent of digital paper.
6. Are digital books more profitable as compared to hardcopy books? Why or why not?
Releasing publications as e-books is more profitable, since you don’t incur overhead expenses such as printing, etc. You get higher margins, then; or you can sell your books cheaper. But the danger of piracy is more prevalent. – JAngelo
7. Do you think copyright laws are well implemented here in the Philippines?
As in any law in the Philippines, copyright law is not well impemented.
Once again, thank you.
Your truly,
Hsiao Wei Chen