Moral rights This article explains what moral rights are, but not why they are bad. In Europe, the original artist retains some control over any work he produces (although I don't know if "work for hire" clauses work there, in which case the point is moot). This can only limit the value of the art to a buyer, making him less willing to pay for the art and so impoverishing the artist. And it ignores the economics behind copyright, which creates dead weight loss by artificially keeping price above marginal cost.