Digital copying and the supply of sound recordings

One concern with digitization in the cultural sector is that unauthorized, digital copying will disrupt cultural supply. This paper discusses the evidence for an impact of digital copying on the commercial supply of new, copyrighted sound recordings in Germany. The method is an intervention analysis for short time series. In spite of a severe recession in the primary market for sound recordings with the diffusion of digital copying technology, the annual number of new titles released to the market continued to expand. There is no significant deviation from a long-term upward trend. Further empirical research is needed on the impact of digital copying on the supply of protected works, as well as on intervening factors fostering the supply of copyright works. According to the findings of this paper, it is questionable whether more extensive public expenditure on copyright protection is desirable.