The enforcement of rights is a proper function of government. Unfortunately the government does not protect everyone equally. Copyright holders have formed a f

The enforcement of rights is a proper function of government. Unfortunately the government does not protect everyone equally. Copyright holders have formed a few broad, cross-industry associations in order to protect their rights as widely as possible. These organizations represent the combined interests of many powerful people and so are able to exert significant political influence. There are no equivalent organizations for patents, and the numerous industry bodies that manage licensing are often very small, narrow in scope, and lack the funding to lobby effectively.