Conflicts in the Knowledge Society
The Contentious Politics of Intellectual Property

Sebastian Haunss demonstrates how intellectual property conflicts have brought about new cleavages in the knowledge society and new collective actors.

Sebastian Haunss (Author)

9781107036420, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 11 April 2013

300 pages, 20 b/w illus. 9 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.7 cm, 0.57 kg

'Sebastian Haunss studies the most visible movements that have challenged international intellectual property (IP) regimes … a good overview of recent IP conflicts for those hoping to gain a better understanding of the stakes involved.' Eden Medina, Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology

In Conflicts in the Knowledge Society, Sebastian Haunss demonstrates how conflicts relating to the international system of intellectual property have resulted in new cleavages in the knowledge society. Furthermore, he argues that new collective actors have emerged from these conflicts with the ability to contest the existing dominant order. With a focus on political opportunity structures, collective action networks and framing strategies, he combines a theoretical discussion of social change in the knowledge society with empirical analyses of four recent developments: software patents in Europe, access to medicines, Creative Commons licensing and Pirate Parties.

1. Introduction
2. The politicization of intellectual property
3. Conflict and change in the knowledge society
4. Software patents in Europe
5. Access to medicines
6. Pirates and commoners
7. Conclusion: new cleavages and new collective actors.

Subject Areas: Intellectual property law [LNR], Law [L], International relations [JPS]