IIRC one of the earliest copyright laws, Queen Anne's Statute, was made to protect creators (artists, writers) from reproducer-distributors (ie printing press o

IIRC one of the earliest copyright laws, Queen Anne's Statute, was made to protect creators (artists, writers) from reproducer-distributors (ie printing press owners). I think this is the origin and principle aim, to allow production of works professionally - with all the skill and devotion that implies - whilst protecting the creators. Copyright seems to have been steered heavily away from that aim by the usual suspects who rent-seek in preference to adding value to society.