Is There a Future for Digital Rights Management?
Is There a Future for Digital Rights Management?

Summary/Abstract: Although Digital Rights Management (hereinafter: „DRM”) does not have a legal definition in Hungarian law, it is undoubtedly part of the complex regulating system including not only legal, but also business, political and cultural elements. DRM seems to impose restrictions on the users of copyright works well exceeding those provided by „traditional” copyright law. There has been surprisingly little debate in Hungary regarding the manner and extent of implementing the relevant international and European provisions. It still seems to be an open question whether DRM is a solution to the underlying issues and whether or not the advantages of DRM (for its beneficiaries) outweighs the hindrances caused to the users and to the original aim of copyright. At the same time, the world (of Intellectual Property) is flooded by the arguments for and against DRM. The various stakeholders wish to be heard and fiercely battle each other. Much can be learned from them in order to fine-tune the local system. This paper attempts to give an overview of the Hungarian legal provisions regarding DRM and their environment. It also wishes to show the advantages and disadvantages of the DRM-system based on the arguments of various parties. Furthermore, it looks at the current alternatives offered beside DRM, as well as the potential directions of development.

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