[From modern science to open science, publishing in the scientific field: copyright, Creative Commons and… beyond.]

Abstract

The concept of copyright protection emerged and developed throughout history to promote the widest dissemination of information. After two centuries of its establishment, development, and maturation, the traditional system entered a full-blown crisis, undermined at its foundations by digital innovation and the socio-cultural transformation of the 20th century. This evolution, marked by continuous adaptations, has introduced elements that are currently limiting the free circulation of scientific knowledge and hindering access to information. Creative Commons (CC) licenses offer a more flexible model for managing copyright, allowing authors to reserve some rights while relinquishing others. There are different variants of CC licenses, ranging from simple attribution (CC BY) to restrictions on commercial use and derivative works (CC BY NC ND). These licenses have been used both to promote the openness of resources and to perpetuate their commercial or paid distribution. For a significant shift towards more open science, a rebalancing of power is needed among authors, publishers, and users, with greater awareness of their rights by those who play a key role in scientific production.