The Dead Sea Scrolls Case: Features of Intellectual Property Disputes in Private International Law

Abstract

The case is known around the world as a drama steeped in mystery, international intrigue, professional jealousy, political tension and conspiracy, which raised the issue of copyright in biblical manuscripts. This legal saga has sparked debate not only in the academic community studying the scrolls, but also among copyright lawyers around the world. The decision of the Supreme Court raises a fundamental question about the choice made of the rule of private international law in the context of copyright and moral rights. The issues to be discussed essentially related to academic freedom, access to unpublished sources, exchange of knowledge and information before publication, possibility of free use of material after publication. More than 2,000 years after it was written and half a century after its discovery, one of the Dead Sea Scrolls finally has a "legitimate" author, according to an Israeli court.