Promoting Fair Use and Creative Expression

Creative artists have been relatively free to reference and expand upon the works of others under the fair use doctrine of copyright law. Under fair use, they have enjoyed an environment that has supported the unrestricted flow of new ideas, criticism, commentary, interpretation, and analysis. However, the Internet and digital media make access to original works much easier and more frequently bring writers, rappers, filmmakers, critics, and other artists into direct conflict with those who wish to impose copyright restrictions beyond the legal intent.

Today an increasing number of frivolous cease-and-desist letters and intellectual property lawsuits are stifling independent voices with threats of costly actions and judgments. The Right to Write Fund was founded to halt this escalating legal assault. The fund provides an on-line clearinghouse of educational materials, legal briefs, and issue analyses related to fair use. The fund also has a roster of pro bono legal defense teams who have been successful against intimidating fair use challenges. The Right to Write Fund’s board, staff, and volunteers are committed to ensuring that the paths to free speech are unobstructed and that our rich heritage of artistic expression continues uninhibited.