In this article, we are going to delve into the topic of Right to quote and how it has impacted different areas of society. Since its emergence, Right to quote has captured the attention of experts and fans alike, generating debates and controversies around its implications. Over the years, Right to quote has evolved and adapted to the changes of the modern world, influencing everything from politics and economics to popular culture and entertainment. Through this analysis, we will explore various aspects related to Right to quote, to understand its importance and significance today.
Right to quote or right of quotation or quotation right is one of the copyright exceptions provided by the Berne Convention, article 10: "It shall be permissible to make quotations ... provided that their making is compatible with fair practice, and their extent does not exceed that justified by the purpose". With different language, it was already present in the 1908 revision of the treaty.
National legislations usually embody the Berne Convention limits in one or more of the following requirements:
In some countries the intended use of the work (educational, scientific, parodist, etc.) may also be a factor determining the scope of this right.
The right to quote is especially important in continental Europe copyright law, where it covers some of the practices known elsewhere as fair dealing. European jurisprudence is gradually extending the number of uses permitted under the right to quote, with some limits.
In France, it is illegal to reproduce someone's work without their approval. But if the work is published, i.e. no longer being edited prior to release, small quotations are legal.
In Germany, the right to quote is extended considerably for research purposes and may even encompass complete works (e. g. texts, pictures, music or videos).
In Poland, the right to quote allows quotation of excerpts of works and small works as a whole, provided that this is justified by teaching, review, explanation or caricatural motivation.