The digitizing of intellectual property and the ease and speed with which it can be copied, transmitted, and globally shared poses legal challenges for traditional owners of content rights, for those who create new media, and for those who consume new media content. This informative and accessible introductory text, written for students of media and communication, provides a comprehensive overview of the complex legal landscape surrounding new media and intellectual property rights. The authors present theoretical backgrounds, legislative developments, and legal case histories in intellectual property law. Copyright, patents, trademarks, trade secrets, personal torts (rights of publicity, defamation, privacy) are examined in U.S., international, and virtual contexts. Suitable as a primary text for courses focusing on intellectual property law in multimedia/new media, this book will also be useful for courses in media law. The information presented in the book is supplemented by freeforafee.com, a blog providing updates to students and instructors alike. A glossary of key terms is also provided.