Problem Limiting the Public Domain -Rawls's Veil of Ignorance and Time

Abstract

Information, ideas and new inventions are crucial parts of modern society. Accumulated knowledge is a huge possibility for mankind and information technology has especially made it possible to share resources with all mankind. Nevertheless, the current situation where strong intellectual property rights exists the public domain has been limited and thus the possibilities to use that knowledge is limited especially for people lacking adequate income or property. It seems that the current situation is not well justified because current intellectual property rights are against the two Principles of Justice presented by Rawls. In addition intellectual property rights are a source of inequity towards the people of the future and would not be implemented behind Veil of Ignorance which is the core way to define whether a society is just according to Rawls. This paper shows examples which emphasize the view that new legislation for intellectual property is needed. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.