The Copyright Crusher: How Apple’s iTunes Is a Vehicle Designed for Copyright Infringement and Apple’s Legal Liability from Its Creation

Authors of original works (such as music, books, et cetera) have certain exclusive rights including, but not limited to, the reproduction of copyrighted works in copies and the preparation of derivative works. Apple’s iTunes is a vehicle for infringement. The conversion of compact discs (“CDs”) to a compressed format for portable music players such as iPods, iPhones, iPads, and computers violates a copyright holder’s exclusive rights. This Article discusses the fundamental issue of copyright protections, the way iTunes facilitates the infringement of these rights, and the legal liability of Apple for creation of this software.