The first part, entitled “Electronic Copyright Management: A Definition in Time and Space” discusses (a) the concept of rights management as it applies to copyright and related rights, (b) the changes brought about by digital technology and (c) possible areas of application of Electronic Copyright Management Systems (ECMS). The second part examines the legal, technical and standards-related issues that must be addressed to implement successful rights management solutions in global information networks; existing and proposed identifier systems as well as debates surrounding metadata definitions are discussed. The third part looks at the future and explores ways in which existing obstacles to maximum access could be overcome. The paper makes the point that digital access is inevitable and should be embraced by right holders, not fought by excessive lock-up.