Owning Culture demonstrates how intellectual property law has expanded to allow for private
ownership of a remarkable array of things from the patenting of human genes linked to breast
cancer to the trademarking of the phrases «home style» and «freedom of ownership.» This book
examines diverse areas of contemporary life affected by intellectual property law including
sampling practices in hip-hop music the appropriation of Third World indigenous knowledge
about the medical uses of plants the effects of seed patenting on farming and the impact of
copyright law on folk music-making. By placing under scrutiny the individualistic Western
conception of the «author» that grounds intellectual property law Kembrew McLeod shows how
borrowing practices have been - and continue to be - central to cultural production.
Additionally this book highlights how intellectual property law facilitates the privatization
of culture and the transfer of power into the hands of wealthy individuals and corporations.
Clearly written thoughtful and thought provoking Owning Culture provides an innovative
approach to the study of culture and law.
