Copying and Indirect Appropriability: Photocopying of Journals

Creators and owners of intellectual properties are alarmed by the growth of technologies that ease the tasks of copying these properties. This paper, however, shows that the unauthorized copying of intellectual properties need not be harmful and actually may be beneficial. The empirical impact of photocopying on publishers of journals is examined in an attempt to discover if publishers can indirectly appropriate revenues from users who are not original purchasers. The evidence indicates that publishers can indirectly appropriate revenues from users who do not directly purchase journals and that photocopying has not harmed journal publishers. 18 references, 1 table.