Theoretical framework for attribution-related copyright trolling in creative commons licenses

This paper proposes a theoretical framework for understanding attribution-related copyright trolling in Creative Commons (CC) licenses. Attribution clauses, while essential for ensuring creators receive proper credit, have become a tool for exploitation, as some creators misuse these clauses to initiate bad-faith legal claims for financial gain. This review analyzes the legal, economic, and ethical factors enabling such trolling, focusing on gaps in copyright law, the economic incentives for creators, and the moral dilemmas this behavior poses. The paper also suggests reforming attribution clauses, improving the CC licensing system, and developing predictive models to prevent misuse. Future research is highlighted to better understand copyright trolling trends and mitigate exploitation, ensuring that CC licenses continue to support open access and collaboration. Keywords: Attribution Clauses, Copyright Trolling, Creative Commons Licenses, License Misuse, Legal Reform, Predictive Models.