Corporate social responsibility, intellectual property and the creative industries

This chapter argues for a new relationship to be generated between IP and the Creative Industries through the framework of corporate social responsibility. This complex and often controversial theme is introduced and its existing relationships with IP and in the Creative Industries are explored. It is argued, given the present focus of the Creative Industries on economics, that change is necessary for there to be appropriate regard to cultural goals and to diversity. This can be done by moving corporate social responsibility beyond its focus on supply chain and health and safety to engage more directly with IP rights – even though IP rights can be argued to be at the core of the Creative Industries and of the business of the IP owner. Building on some existing examples in the Creative Industries and from sustainability, five new pathways are introduced to create this new relationship. IP owners in the Creative Industries are encouraged to explore them.