The philosophy of copyright has several aspects. The foremost of these is the study of "justifications" for the existence of copyright laws. But there are other philosophical questions which arise from copyright, such as determining when one work is "derived" from another, or deciding when information has been placed in a "tangible" or "material" form.
Linked to the logic of property. Locke is often cited as an authority, although it is not clear that Locke actually viewed copyright as a natural right.
The basis of French copyright?
Derived from Kant. The basis of German copyright.
"To promote the progress of science and useful arts" (The U.S. Constitution)
Deny that copyright is justified, or deny that justification has anything to do with understanding copyright laws, which are simply the results of socio-political processes.
Justifications for Copyright
Natural Rights
Moral Rights
Rights of Personality
Consequentialist Theories
Utilitarianism
Other notions of "Instrumentalism" or "Justice"
Nihilist Theories
"Financiers' Copyright"
References