According to David Bollier, creativity and free expression in American culture are under siege by a new breed of corporate bullies. They claim to own all sorts of images, ideas, words, musical notes, letters and even smells. They have made it illegal to name a sporting event the 'Gay Olympics' or a portable toilet business 'Here's Johnny!' Someone actually owns a trademark of the phrase 'Freedom of Expression.' A darker problem lies beyond the humorous absurdity of such madness. Turning all aspects of our culture into 'intellectual property' squelches creativity and limits free expression.
In this highly readable account, 'Brand Name Bullies' explains how insidious extensions of intellectual property law are quietly privatizing American culture.
