Abstract

Intellectual property infringement has been a concern for business and academic research. Internet piracy is a contemporary problem in the knowledge economy. It is controversial in New Zealand, where the Infringing File Sharing Act has been in effect since September 2011. Proponents expect the changing of attitudes and the decrease of illegal downloading, while opponents are disappointed with the interference in users’ freedom to share. Students are an important group, as they possess computer skills and are interested in movies, games, and music. They are also significant, as the regulation impacts schools that provide Internet access to their students. A better understanding of students’ perceptions and opinions can help educators better deliver the concepts of intellectual property to students. This study uses a survey to collect data on student norms and attitudes. The subsequent analysis looks at common attitudes shortly after the new law and specific implications related to teaching ethics. The survey questionnaire is given twice, six months apart, as a short-term longitudinal study. An important research question is whether the attitudes toward intellectual property changed significantly in the short-term as a result of the new law.