By facilitating the collaboration of an international and multidisciplinary group of copyright scholars, together with the participation of a range of copyright stakeholders, the research network seeks to play a leading role in stimulating international research and debate about the future of the copyright system.

As the most flexible of the intellectual property rights, copyright is subject to constant pressure to adapt in order to respond to a variety of social, cultural, economic and political demands. These demands are sometimes generated by new developments and sometimes by new perceptions and approaches to older issues. Copyright is also being called upon to address lacunae in the intellectual property regime relating to developments in the areas of genomics and biotechnology.

The role, function and theoretical basis of copyright law is now more uncertain than ever. The multifarious challenges to copyright offer unparalleled opportunities to re-examine copyright law and to forge a copyright law that serves the interests of society at large.

The background to the project and aims are outlined in more depth under History and Aims.