Understanding Copyright Law is a well-organized, well-written, surprisingly (for such a relatively compact volume) thorough treatment of U.S. copyright law. Leaffer has a knack for developing just the right points in order to show how the copyright statutes and regulations apply to real examples. The table of contents and index make for easy access to various issues that might come up in a day-to-day copyright practice. I recommend this book be within easy reach of any IP attorney, copyright manager, or even work-originator.

Copyright law, despite the fact that everybody these days claims to understand it and its surrounding issues, is an enormously complex and convoluted subject. You would not be blamed for dreading the study of copyright law, nor any book that claimed to wrap up the topic in one handy volume. It's a rare law book that not only makes use of such an affirmative title, but then actually lives up to it, and Leaffer has provided. After a very well-written introduction, the bulk of this book covers most of the different legal categories included in copyright law, from procedures to remedies to defenses. Leaffer is not afraid to take as much space as necessary to explain some of the law's convoluted provisions, as can be seen in the 100+ page chapter on exclusive rights. Best of all, Leaffer moves beyond the strict letter-of-the-law reductionism of standard law textbooks, and ably introduces many of the social, political, and cultural issues surrounding the modern uses (and misuses) of copyright law. And all of the above is presented in an informative writing style that consciously strives to not be as dry and pedantic as typical law texts. [~doomsdayer520~]

Copyright law, despite the fact that everybody these days claims to understand it and its surrounding issues, is an enormously complex and convoluted subject. You would not be blamed for dreading the study of copyright law, nor any book that claimed to wrap up the topic in one handy volume. It's a rare law book that not only makes use of such an affirmative title, but then actually lives up to it, and Leaffer has provided. After a very well-written introduction, the bulk of this book covers most of the different legal categories included in copyright law, from procedures to remedies to defenses. Leaffer is not afraid to take as much space as necessary to explain some of the law's convoluted provisions, as can be seen in the 100+ page chapter on exclusive rights. Best of all, Leaffer moves beyond the strict letter-of-the-law reductionism of standard law textbooks, and ably introduces many of the social, political, and cultural issues surrounding the modern uses (and misuses) of copyright law. And all of the above is presented in an informative writing style that consciously strives to not be as dry and pedantic as typical law texts. [~doomsdayer520~]

THis is the best Copyright treatise out there for law students ( You cant haul NIMMER multiple volumes around with you )It is incredibly concise - has all the relevant cases that are the providence of lawschool casebooks. It lays everything out in a logical manner - Doictrine, Case, Policy & Rule ( elements). I highly recommend this. Aslo recommended is the PLI ( Practising Law Institute's ) Copyright Law: A Practioner Guide. ALSO Recommended is the Sum & Substance CD titled Intellectual Property - they absolutely ROCK! - Has a very thorough treatment of Copyright Law & Law School Exam problem solving / pitfalls

THis is the best Copyright treatise out there for law students ( You cant haul NIMMER multiple volumes around with you )It is incredibly concise - has all the relevant cases that are the providence of lawschool casebooks. It lays everything out in a logical manner - Doictrine, Case, Policy & Rule ( elements). I highly recommend this. Aslo recommended is the PLI ( Practising Law Institute's ) Copyright Law: A Practioner Guide. ALSO Recommended is the Sum & Substance CD titled Intellectual Property - they absolutely ROCK! - Has a very thorough treatment of Copyright Law & Law School Exam problem solving / pitfalls