The Statute of Anne was a groundbreaking piece of legislation that emerged in the early 18th century, due to the rapid growth of the book publishing industry in Great Britain. Before this statute, the system of copyright was largely informal and dependent on royal privileges, often leading to abuses and a lack of economic incentive for authors. The Statute, introduced by Queen Anne, was passed with the dual aim of protecting the rights of authors and controlling the proliferation of pirated works. It granted authors the exclusive right to produce copies of their books for a period of fourteen years, with the possibility of renewal.

This law was significant not only for its immediate effects but also for setting a precedent in copyright law. It required authors to register their works and designated penalties for infringement, marking a shift from a purely market-driven approach to a more legally structured system of intellectual property rights. The statute did not just benefit authors alone; it also opened new avenues for the publishing industry, allowing it to flourish under secure legal protections. This framework would eventually influence copyright laws in many countries around the world.

As the first law of its kind, the Statute of Anne laid the foundation for modern copyright law. Over the years, its principles have evolved, but the core idea of safeguarding the rights of creators remains fundamental. This act challenged existing norms and championed the notion that authors have a right to their creative expressions, fostering an environment where literary and artistic works could thrive. It also sparked discussions which would lead to further reforms and international treaties regarding intellectual property in the centuries to follow.