That's not a law essay title, it's a history one! I'd actually say he was partially right, but not for the reasons he thinks he is, and only as far as 2004 or 5. It'd entail a big discussion of the concept of creative commons and stuff which have emerged strongly this century.

But there would also be a reaason to include today's XKCD in an essay, and to quote Cory Doctorow... These would be attractant factors for me. I managed to slip a Dilbert strip into an essay in my third year and got bonus marks for it LOL.