Pakistan - copyright piracy hub
by AAMER AHMED KHAN
BBC News, publication date: 03 May 2005
"The organisation estimated in 2003 that Pakistani pirates were exporting more than 13 million CDs and DVDs to 46 countries every month. Since then the figure has gone up, it believes.
Global anti-piracy bodies are hoping that the coming into effect of an international agreement called TRIPS (Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) on 1 January this year may force a change in the situation."
Thursday, May 05, 2005
New-age copyright
New-age copyright
The Daily News, Jacksonville NC, publication date: 02 Mary 2005
"The trouble is, this is about rapidly evolving technology, and using the law to prevent unauthorized copying is a blunt instrument that is seldom very effective. Furthermore, the MPAA has a terrible track record when it comes to new technologies. For instance, it used political influence to try to strangle both television and VCRs in their cribs.It will take years, perhaps decades, to sort through intellectual property issues in the digital age. Copyright laws were developed about 100 years after the invention of the printing press. Expanding existing law to new technologies, as this law does, is unlikely to be satisfactory."
The Daily News, Jacksonville NC, publication date: 02 Mary 2005
"The trouble is, this is about rapidly evolving technology, and using the law to prevent unauthorized copying is a blunt instrument that is seldom very effective. Furthermore, the MPAA has a terrible track record when it comes to new technologies. For instance, it used political influence to try to strangle both television and VCRs in their cribs.It will take years, perhaps decades, to sort through intellectual property issues in the digital age. Copyright laws were developed about 100 years after the invention of the printing press. Expanding existing law to new technologies, as this law does, is unlikely to be satisfactory."
Piracy in India causes US $500mn loss
Piracy in India causes US $500mn loss
HindustanTimes.com, publication date: 30 April 2005
"In addition, copyright piracy is rampant, and the US copyright industry estimates that lost sales resulting from piracy in India of US motion pictures, sound recordings, musical compositions, computer programmes, and books totalled approximately $500 million in 2004. India is not a party to the WIPO Internet Treaties."
HindustanTimes.com, publication date: 30 April 2005
"In addition, copyright piracy is rampant, and the US copyright industry estimates that lost sales resulting from piracy in India of US motion pictures, sound recordings, musical compositions, computer programmes, and books totalled approximately $500 million in 2004. India is not a party to the WIPO Internet Treaties."
Scouts to help protect copyright goods
Scouts to help protect copyright goods
Health and Community News, news.gov.hk, publication date: 30 April 2005
"The programme, co-organised by the Scout Association, Customs & Excise Department, Motion Picture Association and the Intellectual Property society, aims to provide copyright protection training to various levels of scouts from age seven to 65. There are around 100,000 scouts in Hong Kong."
Health and Community News, news.gov.hk, publication date: 30 April 2005
"The programme, co-organised by the Scout Association, Customs & Excise Department, Motion Picture Association and the Intellectual Property society, aims to provide copyright protection training to various levels of scouts from age seven to 65. There are around 100,000 scouts in Hong Kong."
"Kingdom" Comes to Copyright Spat
"Kingdom" Comes to Copyright Spat
by JOSH GROSSBERG
E! Online News, publication date: 29 April 2005
"'The essence of it is that this is a film that is derived from the first 100 pages of my book,' Reston tells the Associated Press."
by JOSH GROSSBERG
E! Online News, publication date: 29 April 2005
"'The essence of it is that this is a film that is derived from the first 100 pages of my book,' Reston tells the Associated Press."
Monday, May 02, 2005
DRM and libraries, what is useful to know
DRM and libraries, what is useful to know
by JESSAMYN WEST
Librarian.net, publication date: 29 April 2005
by JESSAMYN WEST
Librarian.net, publication date: 29 April 2005
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
What's "distribution"?
What's "distribution"?
by SUSAN CRAWFORD
Susan Crawford blog, publication date: 23 April 2005
"But this expanded distribution right does give another lever to content owners in negotiations with ISPs. If an ISP is able to see that some of its subscribers are operating servers or 'making available' electronic material to others on a largescale basis, then it may be deemed to know that uploading is happening and (presumptively) infringement of this newly expanded exclusive 'distribution' right is occuring."
by SUSAN CRAWFORD
Susan Crawford blog, publication date: 23 April 2005
"But this expanded distribution right does give another lever to content owners in negotiations with ISPs. If an ISP is able to see that some of its subscribers are operating servers or 'making available' electronic material to others on a largescale basis, then it may be deemed to know that uploading is happening and (presumptively) infringement of this newly expanded exclusive 'distribution' right is occuring."
HRCC Endorses the Digital Media Consumers' Rights Act
HRCC Endorses the Digital Media Consumers' Rights Act
Induce Act Blog (intellectual property law blog), publication date: 19 April 2005
Induce Act Blog (intellectual property law blog), publication date: 19 April 2005
Copyright proposals push security firms' panic buttons
Copyright proposals push security firms' panic buttons
by NEIL SUTTON
ITBusiness.ca, publication date: 25 April 2005
"The group takes issue with a proposed change to the act that would make it illegal to circumvent technological protection measures (TPMs).
'Legal protection for TPMs,' the letter states, 'is the equivalent of making screwdrivers illegal
because they can be used to break and enter. Good legislation targets the illegal act, not the legal tools the crook might use.'"
by NEIL SUTTON
ITBusiness.ca, publication date: 25 April 2005
"The group takes issue with a proposed change to the act that would make it illegal to circumvent technological protection measures (TPMs).
'Legal protection for TPMs,' the letter states, 'is the equivalent of making screwdrivers illegal
because they can be used to break and enter. Good legislation targets the illegal act, not the legal tools the crook might use.'"
Creating a Generation of Idiots
Creating a Generation of Idiots
by KJB
FilmForce, publication date: 22 April 2005
"Consumer advocacy groups and even the Electronic Frontier Foundation who usually fight bills like these have decided that it's one of those times to pick and choose your fights, opting to let this one through in order to focus on more potentially restrictive bills that are currently making their way through both houses."
by KJB
FilmForce, publication date: 22 April 2005
"Consumer advocacy groups and even the Electronic Frontier Foundation who usually fight bills like these have decided that it's one of those times to pick and choose your fights, opting to let this one through in order to focus on more potentially restrictive bills that are currently making their way through both houses."
Nikon's RAW photo encryption broken...twice
Nikon's RAW photo encryption broken...twice
by BARB DYBWAD
Engadget, publication date: 22 April 2005
"Coffin hopes his work will allow Adobe to support Nikon's file format in future versions of their Camera Raw software, but Adobe is still understandably hesitant about drawing a possible lawsuit under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). "
by BARB DYBWAD
Engadget, publication date: 22 April 2005
"Coffin hopes his work will allow Adobe to support Nikon's file format in future versions of their Camera Raw software, but Adobe is still understandably hesitant about drawing a possible lawsuit under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). "
Crime and Punishment, and Copyright
Crime and Punishment, and Copyright
by ED FOSTER
InfoWorld, publication date: 25 April 2005
"This was the thought I couldn't shake as I read last week about Congress passing an ugly hodgepodge of 'copyright protection' laws called the Family Entertainment and Copyright Act of 2005. Among other things, the law considerably lowers the standards for what constitutes criminal copyright infringement. Peer-to-peer file sharers deemed to have distributed $1,000 worth of movie or music files in a six-month period can face up to three years in prison."
by ED FOSTER
InfoWorld, publication date: 25 April 2005
"This was the thought I couldn't shake as I read last week about Congress passing an ugly hodgepodge of 'copyright protection' laws called the Family Entertainment and Copyright Act of 2005. Among other things, the law considerably lowers the standards for what constitutes criminal copyright infringement. Peer-to-peer file sharers deemed to have distributed $1,000 worth of movie or music files in a six-month period can face up to three years in prison."
Next-Gen DVD Encryption: Better, but Won't Stop Filesharing
Next-Gen DVD Encryption: Better, but Won't Stop Filesharing
by ED FELTEN
Freedom to Tinker, publication date: 18 April 2005
"The design of AACS seems aimed at limiting entry to the market for next-gen DVD players. It will probably succeed at that goal. What it won't do is prevent unauthorized filesharing of movies."
by ED FELTEN
Freedom to Tinker, publication date: 18 April 2005
"The design of AACS seems aimed at limiting entry to the market for next-gen DVD players. It will probably succeed at that goal. What it won't do is prevent unauthorized filesharing of movies."
Why Current Intellectual Property Law is So Wrong-Headed
Why Current Intellectual Property Law is So Wrong-Headed
by DAN GILLMOR
Dan Gillmor on Grassroots Journalism, Etc., publication date: 21 April 2005
"Boyle points out that there's money on the side of a less Draconian system than we have -- the technology industry dwarfs the entertainment cartel -- yet the law totally favors the entertainment side. "
by DAN GILLMOR
Dan Gillmor on Grassroots Journalism, Etc., publication date: 21 April 2005
"Boyle points out that there's money on the side of a less Draconian system than we have -- the technology industry dwarfs the entertainment cartel -- yet the law totally favors the entertainment side. "
Monday, April 25, 2005
DRM ban in France
DRM ban in France
Information Techology and the Law (course blog from Princeton), publication date: 24 April 2005
"The consumer had purchased a DVD featuring the movie and tried to make a private copy on videocassette so that he could watch the movie at his mother%u2019s house. According to French law, making a private copy of a purchased DVD is fair use and thus the consumer was denied his fair use by the DRM technology used on the DVDs. However, the court used a different argument to justify the ban. Namely, the court%u2019s decision was mainly based on findings that the DVD packaging was misinforming the user. The court explained that although the term %u201Ccopying is prohibited%u201D (copy prohib?e) was on the package, it was printed out in small letters and was not explicit enough. Accordingly, the court ordered that the producers of the movie remove the DRM on the DVDs within one month. "
Information Techology and the Law (course blog from Princeton), publication date: 24 April 2005
"The consumer had purchased a DVD featuring the movie and tried to make a private copy on videocassette so that he could watch the movie at his mother%u2019s house. According to French law, making a private copy of a purchased DVD is fair use and thus the consumer was denied his fair use by the DRM technology used on the DVDs. However, the court used a different argument to justify the ban. Namely, the court%u2019s decision was mainly based on findings that the DVD packaging was misinforming the user. The court explained that although the term %u201Ccopying is prohibited%u201D (copy prohib?e) was on the package, it was printed out in small letters and was not explicit enough. Accordingly, the court ordered that the producers of the movie remove the DRM on the DVDs within one month. "
Friday, April 22, 2005
The law and the real world, talk for Illinois OCLC Users copyright conference
The law and the real world, talk for Illinois OCLC Users copyright conference
by CLAIRE STEWART
publication date: 22 April 2005
"Digital library practice has evolved in the last ten years to embrace what the Research Libraries Group has called a use-neutral approach, which in essence says that, because we don’t know what our future users will have, and what they will need, we must impose as few layers of technology as possible between the user and the content. Digital Rights Management is technology layers on steroids."
by CLAIRE STEWART
publication date: 22 April 2005
"Digital library practice has evolved in the last ten years to embrace what the Research Libraries Group has called a use-neutral approach, which in essence says that, because we don’t know what our future users will have, and what they will need, we must impose as few layers of technology as possible between the user and the content. Digital Rights Management is technology layers on steroids."
Videotron ready to ID downloaders
Videotron ready to ID downloaders
by ANGELA PACIENZA
Canoe CNews, publication date: 21 April 2005
"Lawyers for the Canadian Recording Industry Association argued they need the identities of 29 people deemed 'large scale uploaders' in order to charge them with copyright infringement.
The five Internet service providers named in the case - Shaw Communications, Rogers Cable Communications, Bell Canada, Telus Communications and Videotron - can't divulge the information without a court order because privacy legislation requires them to keep customer information sealed"
by ANGELA PACIENZA
Canoe CNews, publication date: 21 April 2005
"Lawyers for the Canadian Recording Industry Association argued they need the identities of 29 people deemed 'large scale uploaders' in order to charge them with copyright infringement.
The five Internet service providers named in the case - Shaw Communications, Rogers Cable Communications, Bell Canada, Telus Communications and Videotron - can't divulge the information without a court order because privacy legislation requires them to keep customer information sealed"
Congress OKs bill to strip movie smut
Congress OKs bill to strip movie smut
by TED BRIDIS
Business Week, publication date: 19 April 2005
"Critics of the bill have argued it was aimed at helping one company, Utah-based ClearPlay Inc., whose technology is used in some DVD players to help parents filter inappropriate material by muting dialogue or skipping scenes. ClearPlay sells filters for hundreds of movies that can be added to such DVD players for $4.95 each month.
Hollywood executives have complained that ClearPlay's technology represents unauthorized editing of their movies. They maintain that ClearPlay should pay them licensing fees for altering their creative efforts."
by TED BRIDIS
Business Week, publication date: 19 April 2005
"Critics of the bill have argued it was aimed at helping one company, Utah-based ClearPlay Inc., whose technology is used in some DVD players to help parents filter inappropriate material by muting dialogue or skipping scenes. ClearPlay sells filters for hundreds of movies that can be added to such DVD players for $4.95 each month.
Hollywood executives have complained that ClearPlay's technology represents unauthorized editing of their movies. They maintain that ClearPlay should pay them licensing fees for altering their creative efforts."
Fox, IBM Join In Copyright Protection For Home Networks
Fox, IBM Join In Copyright Protection For Home Networks
by ANTONE GONSALVES
Internet Week, publication date: 18 April 2005
"Current technology allows consumer-electronic devices to share digital content, as long as the devices are part of a closed network. The technology, however, breaks down when the network gets too complex, such as with the addition of multiple wireless-access points, Stefan Nusser, an IBM research manager, said."
...
"Metro coding is not meant to replace digital-rights management technology used in preventing illegal copying of digital content, Nusser said. The new technology would be used as a complement to DRM software."
by ANTONE GONSALVES
Internet Week, publication date: 18 April 2005
"Current technology allows consumer-electronic devices to share digital content, as long as the devices are part of a closed network. The technology, however, breaks down when the network gets too complex, such as with the addition of multiple wireless-access points, Stefan Nusser, an IBM research manager, said."
...
"Metro coding is not meant to replace digital-rights management technology used in preventing illegal copying of digital content, Nusser said. The new technology would be used as a complement to DRM software."
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
House OKs Family Copyright Bill
House OKs Family Copyright Bill
by KATIE DEAN
Wired News, publication day: 19 April 2005
"'This is basically the low-hanging fruit from last year,' said Art Brodsky, a spokesman for Public Knowledge, a consumer advocacy group. 'These are the relatively non-controversial parts of the omnibus copyright legislation from last year.'
Technology and consumer advocates squared off against Hollywood and the music labels on proposed copyright legislation last year -- the Inducing Infringment of Copyrights Act, or Induce Act -- that would hold technology companies liable for encouraging their users to infringe copyright. It never passed."
by KATIE DEAN
Wired News, publication day: 19 April 2005
"'This is basically the low-hanging fruit from last year,' said Art Brodsky, a spokesman for Public Knowledge, a consumer advocacy group. 'These are the relatively non-controversial parts of the omnibus copyright legislation from last year.'
Technology and consumer advocates squared off against Hollywood and the music labels on proposed copyright legislation last year -- the Inducing Infringment of Copyrights Act, or Induce Act -- that would hold technology companies liable for encouraging their users to infringe copyright. It never passed."
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Capitol Records, Inc. v Naxos of America, Inc.
Capitol Records, Inc. v Naxos of America, Inc.
The full opinion of the Naxos reissue case (AP story at Musical America), decided April 5, 2005
Findlaw.com
The full opinion of the Naxos reissue case (AP story at Musical America), decided April 5, 2005
Findlaw.com
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Some notes on Capitol Records, Inc. v Naxos of America Inc.
Some notes on Capitol Records, Inc. v Naxos of America Inc.
by BRENDAN SCOTT
Groklaw, publication date: 13 April 2005
"The losers in the case aren't just Naxos, he points out. The losers are us, as Pogo might put it, the public. Now access to this rich cultural heritage is exclusively for those with money and only at the record company's whim. What happened to the public's interest in all this? Whose culture is it? Is there to be no public domain left at all? Is it going too far to opine that the record companies have become the enemies of culture?
"
by BRENDAN SCOTT
Groklaw, publication date: 13 April 2005
"The losers in the case aren't just Naxos, he points out. The losers are us, as Pogo might put it, the public. Now access to this rich cultural heritage is exclusively for those with money and only at the record company's whim. What happened to the public's interest in all this? Whose culture is it? Is there to be no public domain left at all? Is it going too far to opine that the record companies have become the enemies of culture?
"
RIAA Suing i2hub Users
RIAA Suing i2hub Users
by ED FELTEN
Freedom to Tinker, publication date: 13 April 2005
"Given all of this, my guess is that the RIAA is pushing the Internet2 angle mostly for policial and public relations reasons. By painting Internet2 as a separate network, the RIAA can imply that the transfer of infringing files over Internet2 is a new kind of problem requiring new regulation. And by painting Internet2 as a centrally-managed entity, the RIAA can imply that it is more regulable than the rest of the Internet."
by ED FELTEN
Freedom to Tinker, publication date: 13 April 2005
"Given all of this, my guess is that the RIAA is pushing the Internet2 angle mostly for policial and public relations reasons. By painting Internet2 as a separate network, the RIAA can imply that the transfer of infringing files over Internet2 is a new kind of problem requiring new regulation. And by painting Internet2 as a centrally-managed entity, the RIAA can imply that it is more regulable than the rest of the Internet."
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
From the new-found-respect-for-OECD-analysis department
From the new-found-respect-for-OECD-analysis department
by LAWRENCE LESSIG
Lessig Blog, publication date: 11 April 2005
"If we INDUCE and support the 'per copy' model of copyright, for all content, especially video and music, and if we supplement that protection strong DRM, we pollute the opportunity for remix culture to develop. That should force us to ask: is there a way to protect the legitimate IP interests of the copyright holders, without polluting remix culture?"
by LAWRENCE LESSIG
Lessig Blog, publication date: 11 April 2005
"If we INDUCE and support the 'per copy' model of copyright, for all content, especially video and music, and if we supplement that protection strong DRM, we pollute the opportunity for remix culture to develop. That should force us to ask: is there a way to protect the legitimate IP interests of the copyright holders, without polluting remix culture?"
EFF Posts Day 1 Notes from WIPO Meetings
EFF Posts Day 1 Notes from WIPO Meetings
by DONNA WENTWORTH
Copyfight, publication date: 11 April 2005
by DONNA WENTWORTH
Copyfight, publication date: 11 April 2005
Copyright Reform to Free Orphans?
Copyright Reform to Free Orphans?
by KATIE DEAN
Wired News, publication date: 12 April 2005
"Jule Sigall, associate register for policy and international affairs for the copyright office, said the office will hold public hearings this summer and report its findings to the Senate Judiciary Committee by the end of the year. It's possible that Congress will address the orphan works issue with legislation."
by KATIE DEAN
Wired News, publication date: 12 April 2005
"Jule Sigall, associate register for policy and international affairs for the copyright office, said the office will hold public hearings this summer and report its findings to the Senate Judiciary Committee by the end of the year. It's possible that Congress will address the orphan works issue with legislation."
Music Biz Sues High-Speed Traders
Music Biz Sues High-Speed Traders
by KATIE DEAN
Wired News, publication date: 12 April 2005
"The Recording Industry Association of America will file 405 lawsuits on Wednesday against individuals at 18 colleges across the country. The RIAA is targeting those who use a file sharing application called i2hub to distribute music on a 'massive scale,' said RIAA president Cary Sherman.
The i2hub software is a peer-to-peer, file-sharing application developed for 'student collaboration' on Internet2, according to the software's website. 'I2hub is the conduit in which students across the globe connect to share ideas, collaborate and form social networks in a real-time environment never before achieved," the site says."
by KATIE DEAN
Wired News, publication date: 12 April 2005
"The Recording Industry Association of America will file 405 lawsuits on Wednesday against individuals at 18 colleges across the country. The RIAA is targeting those who use a file sharing application called i2hub to distribute music on a 'massive scale,' said RIAA president Cary Sherman.
The i2hub software is a peer-to-peer, file-sharing application developed for 'student collaboration' on Internet2, according to the software's website. 'I2hub is the conduit in which students across the globe connect to share ideas, collaborate and form social networks in a real-time environment never before achieved," the site says."
Fred and Siva at Cornell Thursday: Takin' on The Man!
Fred and Siva at Cornell Thursday: Takin' on The Man!
by Siva Vaidhyanathan
Sivacracy, publication date: 11 April 2005
by Siva Vaidhyanathan
Sivacracy, publication date: 11 April 2005
Monday, April 11, 2005
Shirky: stupid (c) laws block me from publishing own work online
Shirky: stupid (c) laws block me from publishing own work online
by CLAY SHIRKY, XENI JARDIN et al
Boing Boing, publication date: 31 March 2005
"Got that? I am in possession of a video, of me, shot by a friend, copied to a piece of physical media given to me as a gift. In the video, I am speaking words written by me, and for which I am the clear holder of the copyright. I am working with said video on a machine I own. Every modern legal judgment concerning copyright, from the Berne Convention to the Betamax case, is on my side. AND I CAN'T MAKE A COPY DIRECTLY FROM THE DEVICE. This is because copyright laws do not exist to defend the moral rights of copyright holders -- they exist to help enforce artificial scarcity."
by CLAY SHIRKY, XENI JARDIN et al
Boing Boing, publication date: 31 March 2005
"Got that? I am in possession of a video, of me, shot by a friend, copied to a piece of physical media given to me as a gift. In the video, I am speaking words written by me, and for which I am the clear holder of the copyright. I am working with said video on a machine I own. Every modern legal judgment concerning copyright, from the Berne Convention to the Betamax case, is on my side. AND I CAN'T MAKE A COPY DIRECTLY FROM THE DEVICE. This is because copyright laws do not exist to defend the moral rights of copyright holders -- they exist to help enforce artificial scarcity."
Piercing the peer–to–peer myths: An examination of the Canadian experience
Piercing the peer–to–peer myths: An examination of the Canadian experience
by MICHAEL GEIST
First Monday, publication date: April 2005
"The campaign is premised on three key pillars. First, that the Canadian recording industry has sustained significant financial losses in recent years due to decreased music sales. Second, that those losses can be attributed to peer–to–peer file sharing. Third, that the losses have materially harmed Canadian artists.
The time has come to acknowledge that each of these pillars is a myth."
by MICHAEL GEIST
First Monday, publication date: April 2005
"The campaign is premised on three key pillars. First, that the Canadian recording industry has sustained significant financial losses in recent years due to decreased music sales. Second, that those losses can be attributed to peer–to–peer file sharing. Third, that the losses have materially harmed Canadian artists.
The time has come to acknowledge that each of these pillars is a myth."
Rethinking the DMCA
Rethinking the DMCA
by CHARLES COOPER
CNet News.com, publication date: 08 April 2005
"So it was that Congress bowed to the copyright industry's demands and created a marvelously one-sided document. By making it illegal to circumvent technology used by the copyright industries to protect digital content, legislators took care of a key constituency. But they also created an invitation to trouble.
With no clear boundaries and very little legal precedent, the predictable result has been a messy conflict between the public and the moneyed interests. And that's where we are now with the specter of the DMCA, like Marley's Ghost, rising up to chill the spirit of free inquiry when it comes to encryption and computer security research."
by CHARLES COOPER
CNet News.com, publication date: 08 April 2005
"So it was that Congress bowed to the copyright industry's demands and created a marvelously one-sided document. By making it illegal to circumvent technology used by the copyright industries to protect digital content, legislators took care of a key constituency. But they also created an invitation to trouble.
With no clear boundaries and very little legal precedent, the predictable result has been a messy conflict between the public and the moneyed interests. And that's where we are now with the specter of the DMCA, like Marley's Ghost, rising up to chill the spirit of free inquiry when it comes to encryption and computer security research."
Friday, April 08, 2005
Extending an olive branch to file swappers?
Extending an olive branch to file swappers?
JON BORLAND Q and A with BRETT GOLDBERG, President of Cdigix
CNET News, publication date: 05 April 2005
JON BORLAND Q and A with BRETT GOLDBERG, President of Cdigix
CNET News, publication date: 05 April 2005
VideoLAN - And the issue of software patents
[Implementing MPEG, in a practical sense, is a fairly difficult process. VideoLAN is one of the few technology companies who do a good job covering all platforms with their player. So hearing that they are threatened with closure is disheartening.]
VideoLAN - And the issue of software patents
March 2005
"But not all is lost yet as long as you decide it is time to make a difference and take action. This is our last opportunity to fend off software patents worldwide, there will be no second chance for the foreseeable future.
Signing petitions will not suffice. Contact your local EU representatives and educate them why software patents are a bad idea in the first place and why they must attend that parliament session to vote against them. Make it clear that they need to stop the machinations of the EU council and reaffirm the power of the EU parliament, the only democratically elected EU institution. For in-depth information and starting points to get active visit the software patent page of the FFII (Foundation for a Free Information Infrastructure) and NoSoftwarePatents.com."
VideoLAN - And the issue of software patents
March 2005
"But not all is lost yet as long as you decide it is time to make a difference and take action. This is our last opportunity to fend off software patents worldwide, there will be no second chance for the foreseeable future.
Signing petitions will not suffice. Contact your local EU representatives and educate them why software patents are a bad idea in the first place and why they must attend that parliament session to vote against them. Make it clear that they need to stop the machinations of the EU council and reaffirm the power of the EU parliament, the only democratically elected EU institution. For in-depth information and starting points to get active visit the software patent page of the FFII (Foundation for a Free Information Infrastructure) and NoSoftwarePatents.com."
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Grokster: The Case is Submitted
Grokster: The Case is Submitted
by ALEX HALDERMAN
Freedom to Tinker, publication date: 01 April 2005
"On the other hand, some of the Justices were no more receptive to Grokster's interpretation of the Betamax defense, under which products 'merely capable of substantial non-infringing use' would not be subject to liability. Justice Ginsberg called this an overly simplistic reading of Sony and pointed out that the decision continues for 13 pages of nuanced discussion after the phrase cited by Grokster. She also emphasized differences between Grokster's product and the Betamax: the primary use of the Betamax was found to be non-infringing, but the district court in the present case established that at least 90% of Grokster's traffic infringed."
by ALEX HALDERMAN
Freedom to Tinker, publication date: 01 April 2005
"On the other hand, some of the Justices were no more receptive to Grokster's interpretation of the Betamax defense, under which products 'merely capable of substantial non-infringing use' would not be subject to liability. Justice Ginsberg called this an overly simplistic reading of Sony and pointed out that the decision continues for 13 pages of nuanced discussion after the phrase cited by Grokster. She also emphasized differences between Grokster's product and the Betamax: the primary use of the Betamax was found to be non-infringing, but the district court in the present case established that at least 90% of Grokster's traffic infringed."
Friday, April 01, 2005
Why FCC's "broadcast flag" hurts librarians, computer hobbyists
Why FCC's "broadcast flag" hurts librarians, computer hobbyists
by DECLAN MCCULLAGH
CNet, publication date: 30 March 2005
"According to a new brief, librarians, academics and computer hobbyists have standing to sue because they will no longer be able to make certain uses of digital TV broadcasts after the FCC's rules take effect in July. To wit:
- North Carolina State University won't be able to use broadcast clips for 'distance learning' courses that use password-protected Web sites."
by DECLAN MCCULLAGH
CNet, publication date: 30 March 2005
"According to a new brief, librarians, academics and computer hobbyists have standing to sue because they will no longer be able to make certain uses of digital TV broadcasts after the FCC's rules take effect in July. To wit:
- North Carolina State University won't be able to use broadcast clips for 'distance learning' courses that use password-protected Web sites."
Thursday, March 24, 2005
'DVD Jon' reopens iTunes backdoor
'DVD Jon' reopens iTunes backdoor
by JON BORLAND
CNET News.com, publication date: 22 March 2005
"In a blog posting, Norwegian programmer Jon Johansen, who was previously responsible for releasing software used to copy DVDs online, said he had been successful at reverse engineering the latest iTunes encryption."
by JON BORLAND
CNET News.com, publication date: 22 March 2005
"In a blog posting, Norwegian programmer Jon Johansen, who was previously responsible for releasing software used to copy DVDs online, said he had been successful at reverse engineering the latest iTunes encryption."
Thursday, March 17, 2005
A new generation of file-sharing options filter onto campus
A new generation of file-sharing options filter onto campus
by LOU PULICE
The Heights (Boston College), publication date: 17 March 2005
"If you talk to students on campus, the majority are bound to tell you that they have some sort of collection of music currently stored on their computers. With the popularity of Apple's iTunes and its fashionable and functional counterpart iPod, it is no surprise that most BC students are listening to and downloading music on a daily basis. But are these students actually paying the $0.99 per song that Apple's Online Music Store charges?
The answer to this question is, quite simply, no."
by LOU PULICE
The Heights (Boston College), publication date: 17 March 2005
"If you talk to students on campus, the majority are bound to tell you that they have some sort of collection of music currently stored on their computers. With the popularity of Apple's iTunes and its fashionable and functional counterpart iPod, it is no surprise that most BC students are listening to and downloading music on a daily basis. But are these students actually paying the $0.99 per song that Apple's Online Music Store charges?
The answer to this question is, quite simply, no."
State Cracks Down on Film Piracy
State Cracks Down on Film Piracy
by DANNY FORINASH
WTRF (West Virginia), publication date: 17 March 2005
"A bill that would define recording films at a theater with an audio-visual device as a felony passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee after quick approval from the House of Delegates.
'This kind of camera theft has been around for some time,' said Todd Flournoy, Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) vice president and counsel. 'It's always been a problem. But bootleg copies used to be sold on the street. The quality was poor, and there was no easy means of distribution.'
...
So far, 21 states have passed laws concerning anti-piracy. The MPAA is lobbying 18 others, including West Virginia, this year.
"It's important to protect the movie industry in West Virginia," said Sen. Jeffrey Kessler, D-Marshall, Judiciary Committee chairman. "In the end, we hope to preserve a product that could be made in West Virginia and enhance the state's economy.""
by DANNY FORINASH
WTRF (West Virginia), publication date: 17 March 2005
"A bill that would define recording films at a theater with an audio-visual device as a felony passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee after quick approval from the House of Delegates.
'This kind of camera theft has been around for some time,' said Todd Flournoy, Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) vice president and counsel. 'It's always been a problem. But bootleg copies used to be sold on the street. The quality was poor, and there was no easy means of distribution.'
...
So far, 21 states have passed laws concerning anti-piracy. The MPAA is lobbying 18 others, including West Virginia, this year.
"It's important to protect the movie industry in West Virginia," said Sen. Jeffrey Kessler, D-Marshall, Judiciary Committee chairman. "In the end, we hope to preserve a product that could be made in West Virginia and enhance the state's economy.""
As file sharing nears high court, techies worry
As file sharing nears high court, techies worry
by JOHN MARKOFF
The New York Times, publication date: 17 March 2005
"Innovative online services of those types could be harder to create in the future, if the court rules that technology creators are liable for any misuse of their systems, according to technology proponents here.
'It could be a disaster,' said the conference's sponsor, Tim O'Reilly, owner of the world's largest independent computer book publishing company, O'Reilly & Associates."
by JOHN MARKOFF
The New York Times, publication date: 17 March 2005
"Innovative online services of those types could be harder to create in the future, if the court rules that technology creators are liable for any misuse of their systems, according to technology proponents here.
'It could be a disaster,' said the conference's sponsor, Tim O'Reilly, owner of the world's largest independent computer book publishing company, O'Reilly & Associates."
Wiley Sues 10 Illegal Online Resellers
Wiley Sues 10 Illegal Online Resellers
Press Release, release date: 17 March 2005
"The lawsuits allege that the defendants engaged in the illegal sale of pirated electronic copies of books otherwise available in retail markets as well as pirated electronic copies of instructor solutions manuals, which Wiley distributes, at no charge, solely to professors. Collectively, the lawsuits involve piracy of more than 75 distinct Wiley titles."
Press Release, release date: 17 March 2005
"The lawsuits allege that the defendants engaged in the illegal sale of pirated electronic copies of books otherwise available in retail markets as well as pirated electronic copies of instructor solutions manuals, which Wiley distributes, at no charge, solely to professors. Collectively, the lawsuits involve piracy of more than 75 distinct Wiley titles."
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Microsoft's US XML Patent Application
Microsoft's US XML Patent Application
Groklaw, publication date: 15 March 2005
"Here it is, ladies and gentlemen. Step right up. It's Microsoft's United States Patent Application #20040210818 and it was filed originally in June of 2002 and listed on October 21, 2004. The abstract reads like this:
Word-processing document stored in a single XML file that may be manipulated by applications that understand XML"
Groklaw, publication date: 15 March 2005
"Here it is, ladies and gentlemen. Step right up. It's Microsoft's United States Patent Application #20040210818 and it was filed originally in June of 2002 and listed on October 21, 2004. The abstract reads like this:
Word-processing document stored in a single XML file that may be manipulated by applications that understand XML"
Never again
Never again
by LAWRENCE LESSIG
Lessig Blog, publication date: 15 March 2005
"Never again. It has taken me too long to resolve myself about this, and it was too late in the process of this article to insist on something different. But from this moment on, I am committed to the Open Access pledge:
I will not agree to publish in any academic journal that does not permit me the freedoms of at least a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial license."
by LAWRENCE LESSIG
Lessig Blog, publication date: 15 March 2005
"Never again. It has taken me too long to resolve myself about this, and it was too late in the process of this article to insist on something different. But from this moment on, I am committed to the Open Access pledge:
I will not agree to publish in any academic journal that does not permit me the freedoms of at least a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial license."
Locking Down Technology
©4:Locking Down Technology
by WALT CRAWFORD
Cites & Insights 5:5, publication date: Spring 2005
"If you think about it, the broadcast flag rulemaking is rather extraordinary. It’s not about broadcast quality, interference, channel allocation, or any area you’d expect the FCC to regulate. Instead, it’s about what happens to digital broadcast material after it’s received—an area that would seem well outside FCC’s jurisdiction."
by WALT CRAWFORD
Cites & Insights 5:5, publication date: Spring 2005
"If you think about it, the broadcast flag rulemaking is rather extraordinary. It’s not about broadcast quality, interference, channel allocation, or any area you’d expect the FCC to regulate. Instead, it’s about what happens to digital broadcast material after it’s received—an area that would seem well outside FCC’s jurisdiction."
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Court questions broadcast flag challengers
Court questions broadcast flag challengers
by JOHN BORLAND
CNET News.com, publication date: 15 March 2005
"Judges said Tuesday that they weren't sure the consumer and library groups had legal 'standing'--a measure of how directly affected they or their members will be by the FCC's ruling. The court asked the groups to explain their position further before proceeding with the case."
by JOHN BORLAND
CNET News.com, publication date: 15 March 2005
"Judges said Tuesday that they weren't sure the consumer and library groups had legal 'standing'--a measure of how directly affected they or their members will be by the FCC's ruling. The court asked the groups to explain their position further before proceeding with the case."
Beatallica back, thanks to Lars Ulrich, fair use crusader.
Beatallica back, thanks to Lars Ulrich, fair use crusader.
by XENI JARDIN
Boing Boing, publication date: 15 March 2005
"The band known for tunes such as 'I Want to Choke Your Band' and 'Leper Madonna' reached out to Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich. Thanks to his efforts, Beatallica will soon be back online, and the legal debacle over. Ulrich volunteered to provide assistance with legal negotiations for Beatallica, and asked Metallica's longtime attorney Peter Paterno to try and defuse the situation with Sony on behalf of the dudes from Milwaukee. And now, Sony has agreed to drop the case."
by XENI JARDIN
Boing Boing, publication date: 15 March 2005
"The band known for tunes such as 'I Want to Choke Your Band' and 'Leper Madonna' reached out to Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich. Thanks to his efforts, Beatallica will soon be back online, and the legal debacle over. Ulrich volunteered to provide assistance with legal negotiations for Beatallica, and asked Metallica's longtime attorney Peter Paterno to try and defuse the situation with Sony on behalf of the dudes from Milwaukee. And now, Sony has agreed to drop the case."
Rehearsing to buy a DRMed e-book
Rehearsing to buy a DRMed e-book
by DAVID ROTHMAN
TeleRead, publication date: 15 March 2005
'"We've offered free unencrypted ebooks since our start, but that's not the same," Scott says. "To truly simulate a download, there has to be Digital Rights Management (DRM), involved. Our test downloads are the real thing so once you get one under your belt you can be confident there won't be a problem
when it's time to use the credit card." He's hoping that the new approach will reduce his support costs and weed out the unprepared. The 35,000-title Diesel, incidentally, is super-easy to reach by phone if need be--an old-fashioned amenity that should be more common in the industry than it actually is."
by DAVID ROTHMAN
TeleRead, publication date: 15 March 2005
'"We've offered free unencrypted ebooks since our start, but that's not the same," Scott says. "To truly simulate a download, there has to be Digital Rights Management (DRM), involved. Our test downloads are the real thing so once you get one under your belt you can be confident there won't be a problem
when it's time to use the credit card." He's hoping that the new approach will reduce his support costs and weed out the unprepared. The 35,000-title Diesel, incidentally, is super-easy to reach by phone if need be--an old-fashioned amenity that should be more common in the industry than it actually is."
Slate Induces Copyright Violations
Slate Induces Copyright Violations
by ERNEST MILLER
The Importance of...publication date: 15 March 2005
"Of course, there is the little issue of copyright violation. Certainly, if I hosted the complete original work with annotations, that could very clearly lead to a copyright claim. Under the INDUCE Act theories, the company that made the software to allow this would also be liable. After all, if you are authorized to annotate, then you can manipulate the underlying file without need for annotation software. Clearly, the intent and purpose of annotation software would be to encourage the creation of derivative works and reproductions that people are unauthorized to make."
by ERNEST MILLER
The Importance of...publication date: 15 March 2005
"Of course, there is the little issue of copyright violation. Certainly, if I hosted the complete original work with annotations, that could very clearly lead to a copyright claim. Under the INDUCE Act theories, the company that made the software to allow this would also be liable. After all, if you are authorized to annotate, then you can manipulate the underlying file without need for annotation software. Clearly, the intent and purpose of annotation software would be to encourage the creation of derivative works and reproductions that people are unauthorized to make."
Copy Cats
Copy Cats
by MEIR RINDE
Hartford Advocate, publication date: 10 March 2005
"The book is rife with juicy, angering examples. For example, after the band Verve lost a legal battle over a five-note Rolling Stones sample which they thought they had permission to use, they lost their copyright to a hit single, which was then used in a commercial against their wishes and won someone else a Grammy."
by MEIR RINDE
Hartford Advocate, publication date: 10 March 2005
"The book is rife with juicy, angering examples. For example, after the band Verve lost a legal battle over a five-note Rolling Stones sample which they thought they had permission to use, they lost their copyright to a hit single, which was then used in a commercial against their wishes and won someone else a Grammy."
Tech firms protest reforms
Tech firms protest reforms
by TYLER HAMILTON
Toronto Star, publication date: 10 March 2005
"Researchers in Canada who make it their job to find holes and glitches in digital security products are worried that proposed 'anti-circumvention' amendments to federal copyright legislation will undermine their livelihood and lower the bar on digital protection."
by TYLER HAMILTON
Toronto Star, publication date: 10 March 2005
"Researchers in Canada who make it their job to find holes and glitches in digital security products are worried that proposed 'anti-circumvention' amendments to federal copyright legislation will undermine their livelihood and lower the bar on digital protection."
Ripped off
Ripped off
Digit, publication date: 11 March 2005
"Although US copyright laws outlaw the sale of software that bypasses DVD copy protection, many companies continue to make the software packages available.
BlazinDVD of New York is one of a dozen US firms that we found on the Internet selling such software. BlazinDVD’s offering was called Perfect DVD Copy, and a photo of the software’s CD jewel case displayed on the company’s Web site claimed the program would “Override All Copy Protection”."
Digit, publication date: 11 March 2005
"Although US copyright laws outlaw the sale of software that bypasses DVD copy protection, many companies continue to make the software packages available.
BlazinDVD of New York is one of a dozen US firms that we found on the Internet selling such software. BlazinDVD’s offering was called Perfect DVD Copy, and a photo of the software’s CD jewel case displayed on the company’s Web site claimed the program would “Override All Copy Protection”."
India's Launch of Low-Cost Windows Delayed
India's Launch of Low-Cost Windows Delayed
Baltimore Sun, publication date: 15 March 2005
"India is the largest of the five emerging computer markets that Microsoft is targeting with its stripped-down operating system. The company already sells the starter edition in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand and has plans to launch it in Russia.
India has only 16 million computers for more than a billion people, but sales are growing 35 percent each year.
U.S.-based Microsoft enjoys 90 percent market share in India. It hopes that cheaper software will help reduce piracy in a country where only 2 of 10 computers use more expensive licensed software.
"
Baltimore Sun, publication date: 15 March 2005
"India is the largest of the five emerging computer markets that Microsoft is targeting with its stripped-down operating system. The company already sells the starter edition in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand and has plans to launch it in Russia.
India has only 16 million computers for more than a billion people, but sales are growing 35 percent each year.
U.S.-based Microsoft enjoys 90 percent market share in India. It hopes that cheaper software will help reduce piracy in a country where only 2 of 10 computers use more expensive licensed software.
"
Keyes is hawking debate videos
Keyes is hawking debate videos
by NICOLE SACK
The Southern Illinoisian, publication date: 15 March 2005
"Connie Hair, Keyes spokesperson, said Keyes has the rights to anything he participated in as long as he attributes the source. She said it was important to note the Keyes campaign staff members shot some debate footage with their own cameras.
However, the question of copyright is being batted around by the three separate groups who hosted the one radio and two television debates."
by NICOLE SACK
The Southern Illinoisian, publication date: 15 March 2005
"Connie Hair, Keyes spokesperson, said Keyes has the rights to anything he participated in as long as he attributes the source. She said it was important to note the Keyes campaign staff members shot some debate footage with their own cameras.
However, the question of copyright is being batted around by the three separate groups who hosted the one radio and two television debates."
The File-Sharing Follies
The File-Sharing Follies
by JON NEWTON
TechNewsWorld, publication date: 15 March 2005
"With a landmark Supreme Court hearing on online file sharing slated for Marc 29, Hollywood is stepping up its multimillion-dollar, international PR blitz to kee peer-to-peer networks in the public eye and to characterize men, women an children who share music and other files online as hardened criminals"
by JON NEWTON
TechNewsWorld, publication date: 15 March 2005
"With a landmark Supreme Court hearing on online file sharing slated for Marc 29, Hollywood is stepping up its multimillion-dollar, international PR blitz to kee peer-to-peer networks in the public eye and to characterize men, women an children who share music and other files online as hardened criminals"
Cost of school plays
Cost of school plays
by JAMES WALSH and RANDI WEINER
The Journal News, publication date: 15 March 2005
"The size of a school's auditorium also figures into the price. The larger the hall, the more the licensing companies charge, on the theory that revenues from ticket sales will be higher. Likewise, the number of performances also impacts the cost.
Program and advertising artwork must adhere to a copyrighted design — no room for student creativity here — with even the type size dictated by the companies.
These restrictions continue as long as a copyright remains in effect. That could be for the life of the author plus 70 years for works created on or after Jan. 1, 1978, said Stephanie Furgang Adwar, a copyright attorney from West Nyack."
by JAMES WALSH and RANDI WEINER
The Journal News, publication date: 15 March 2005
"The size of a school's auditorium also figures into the price. The larger the hall, the more the licensing companies charge, on the theory that revenues from ticket sales will be higher. Likewise, the number of performances also impacts the cost.
Program and advertising artwork must adhere to a copyrighted design — no room for student creativity here — with even the type size dictated by the companies.
These restrictions continue as long as a copyright remains in effect. That could be for the life of the author plus 70 years for works created on or after Jan. 1, 1978, said Stephanie Furgang Adwar, a copyright attorney from West Nyack."
SightSound Technologies Sues Napster for Infringement
SightSound Technologies Sues Napster for Infringement
by BRENDA SANDBURG
Law.com, publication date: 15 March 2005
"SightSound Technologies Inc., whose founder holds a series of patents for transmitting digital video and audio signals, has sued Napster for infringement."
by BRENDA SANDBURG
Law.com, publication date: 15 March 2005
"SightSound Technologies Inc., whose founder holds a series of patents for transmitting digital video and audio signals, has sued Napster for infringement."
Harvard-Google Project Faces Copyright Woes
Harvard-Google Project Faces Copyright Woes
by BEAU C. ROBICHEAUX
Harvard Crimson Online, publication date: 15 March 2005
"But Jonathan Zittrain, faculty co-director of Harvard Law School’s Berkman Center for Internet and Society, wrote in an e-mail that he believes the pilot project is not a copyright infringement.
“This is what fair use is designed for,” he wrote. “By showing only snippets, the market for the books themselves is not harmed.”
Zittrain added that publishing industry practice “has become extremely cautious and that quite often firms ask each other for permission.”"
by BEAU C. ROBICHEAUX
Harvard Crimson Online, publication date: 15 March 2005
"But Jonathan Zittrain, faculty co-director of Harvard Law School’s Berkman Center for Internet and Society, wrote in an e-mail that he believes the pilot project is not a copyright infringement.
“This is what fair use is designed for,” he wrote. “By showing only snippets, the market for the books themselves is not harmed.”
Zittrain added that publishing industry practice “has become extremely cautious and that quite often firms ask each other for permission.”"
Rewriting the rules of copyright
Rewriting the rules of copyright
by ARIANA EUNJUNG CHA (Washington Post)
MSNBC, publication date: 15 March 1005
"Interest in Creative Commons licenses comes as artists, authors and traditional media companies begin to warm to the idea of the Internet as friend instead of foe, and race to capitalize on technologies such as file-sharing and digital copying."
by ARIANA EUNJUNG CHA (Washington Post)
MSNBC, publication date: 15 March 1005
"Interest in Creative Commons licenses comes as artists, authors and traditional media companies begin to warm to the idea of the Internet as friend instead of foe, and race to capitalize on technologies such as file-sharing and digital copying."
Marvel Says Its Case Is Strong
Marvel Says Its Case Is Strong
by DAVID ADAMS
PC Games, publication date: 14 March 2005
"The case prompts various questions of fair use and copyright, with some critics claiming that NCsoft and Cryptic cannot be responsible for the countless ways users may express themselves using the game's customization -- just as Adobe would not be responsible, say, if someone used its PhotoShop software to create trademark-infringing content. However, Marvel believes it is possible to create what are essentially versions of its branded characters and play as them in the game -- and clearly the company has not licensed its properties for use in City of Heroes."
by DAVID ADAMS
PC Games, publication date: 14 March 2005
"The case prompts various questions of fair use and copyright, with some critics claiming that NCsoft and Cryptic cannot be responsible for the countless ways users may express themselves using the game's customization -- just as Adobe would not be responsible, say, if someone used its PhotoShop software to create trademark-infringing content. However, Marvel believes it is possible to create what are essentially versions of its branded characters and play as them in the game -- and clearly the company has not licensed its properties for use in City of Heroes."
Destra lands ABC digital music store deal
Destra lands ABC digital music store deal
ZDNet Australia, publication date: 15 March 2005
"Destra said the music was in the Windows Media Architecture format and included built-in technology for consumers to copy songs onto a compact disc three times, as well as to a portable media player."
ZDNet Australia, publication date: 15 March 2005
"Destra said the music was in the Windows Media Architecture format and included built-in technology for consumers to copy songs onto a compact disc three times, as well as to a portable media player."
E-Commerce News: News: Court Orders UK ISPs To Name File Sharers
E-Commerce News: News: Court Orders UK ISPs To Name File Sharers
by DINAH GREEK
ECommerce Times, publication date: 14 March 2005
"The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) will be given the names and addresses o a further 31 people it has accused of illegally uploading music files to the Internet
The BPI was granted an order by the High Court last week that forces six UK Internet service providers (ISPs) to hand over the details as it begins its second round of legal action against file sharers"
by DINAH GREEK
ECommerce Times, publication date: 14 March 2005
"The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) will be given the names and addresses o a further 31 people it has accused of illegally uploading music files to the Internet
The BPI was granted an order by the High Court last week that forces six UK Internet service providers (ISPs) to hand over the details as it begins its second round of legal action against file sharers"
MS Files for Broad XML/Word-processing Patent in NZ
MS Files for Broad XML/Word-processing Patent in NZ
Slashdot, publication date: 15 March 2005
Slashdot, publication date: 15 March 2005
US gov't to apply DRM to public, non-copyrighted info that you already paid for
US gov't to apply DRM to public, non-copyrighted info that you already paid for
by CORY DOCTOROW
Boing Boing, publication date: 14 March 2005
"Jim sez, ''Public' non-copyrighted information is going to be subjected to controls and restrictions we usually associate with RIAA and MPAA."
by CORY DOCTOROW
Boing Boing, publication date: 14 March 2005
"Jim sez, ''Public' non-copyrighted information is going to be subjected to controls and restrictions we usually associate with RIAA and MPAA."
Monday, March 14, 2005
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Copyright case may conclude with public burning
Copyright case may conclude with public burning
Native American Times, publication date: 10 March 2005
"The tribe sued and attorney Bob Lyon of the high-powered legal firm of Holland & Knight used California’s common-law copyright law and a portion of a federal bootlegging law the bars people from recording musical events to achieve the settlement and gain an injunction."
Native American Times, publication date: 10 March 2005
"The tribe sued and attorney Bob Lyon of the high-powered legal firm of Holland & Knight used California’s common-law copyright law and a portion of a federal bootlegging law the bars people from recording musical events to achieve the settlement and gain an injunction."
Real Networks Launching Challenge to iPod
Real Networks Launching Challenge to iPod
CIO Today, publication date: 10 March 2005
"News that Real Networks is launching a new version of its music store, enabling consumers to buy music that can play on Apple iPods, has sent shockwaves through the digital music industry"
...
"Apple has issued a furious statement promising legal action and claiming that Real's move is unethical. "We're stunned that Real Networks has adopted the tactics and ethics of a hacker to break into the iPod, and we are investigating the implications of [its] actions under the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) and other laws," it stated.
Ryan insists, however, that his company is on "rock-solid" legal ground and has industry support. "We took content that we have rights to and we changed the DRM [digital rights management] to one that will play on the iPod. The labels have endorsed the service.""
CIO Today, publication date: 10 March 2005
"News that Real Networks is launching a new version of its music store, enabling consumers to buy music that can play on Apple iPods, has sent shockwaves through the digital music industry"
...
"Apple has issued a furious statement promising legal action and claiming that Real's move is unethical. "We're stunned that Real Networks has adopted the tactics and ethics of a hacker to break into the iPod, and we are investigating the implications of [its] actions under the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) and other laws," it stated.
Ryan insists, however, that his company is on "rock-solid" legal ground and has industry support. "We took content that we have rights to and we changed the DRM [digital rights management] to one that will play on the iPod. The labels have endorsed the service.""
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Lexmark's request for re-hearing denied
GROKLAW
by PAMELA JONES
Groklaw, publication date: 22 February 2005
"The Lexmark case was about printers, about toner. Lexmark set it up so no other manufacturer's toner could work with Lexmark printers except its own, and it 'protected' this scheme with some software code and then sued a rival under the DMCA for reverse engineering so its own toner would work with Lexmark printers. This court found that the DMCA is about preventing piracy, not enabling a monopolist seeking to enforce its will on a smaller rival."
by PAMELA JONES
Groklaw, publication date: 22 February 2005
"The Lexmark case was about printers, about toner. Lexmark set it up so no other manufacturer's toner could work with Lexmark printers except its own, and it 'protected' this scheme with some software code and then sued a rival under the DMCA for reverse engineering so its own toner would work with Lexmark printers. This court found that the DMCA is about preventing piracy, not enabling a monopolist seeking to enforce its will on a smaller rival."
New approaches to television archiving
New approaches to television archiving
by Jeff Ubois
First Monday, publication date: March 2005
"Yet all sides in the copyright debate could benefit from the creation of a system that would simplify access to and reuse of archival footage, and streamline rights clearance procedures. An organization that handles rights for television, something like ASCAP or BMI does for the music industry, could reduce the barriers to access and use, and perhaps even help to fund preservation efforts."
by Jeff Ubois
First Monday, publication date: March 2005
"Yet all sides in the copyright debate could benefit from the creation of a system that would simplify access to and reuse of archival footage, and streamline rights clearance procedures. An organization that handles rights for television, something like ASCAP or BMI does for the music industry, could reduce the barriers to access and use, and perhaps even help to fund preservation efforts."
HP sued over pre-programmed cartridges
HP sued over pre-programmed cartridges
Out-Law News, publication date: 23 February 2005
"Meanwhile, rival printer maker Lexmark has suffered its own legal setback this week. The US Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Tuesday that it would not reinstate a preliminary injunction ordering Static Control Components – a maker of microchips used in replacement laser printer cartridges – to stop making and selling its products."
Out-Law News, publication date: 23 February 2005
"Meanwhile, rival printer maker Lexmark has suffered its own legal setback this week. The US Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Tuesday that it would not reinstate a preliminary injunction ordering Static Control Components – a maker of microchips used in replacement laser printer cartridges – to stop making and selling its products."
Is iTunes illegal?
Is iTunes illegal?
by RAYMOND BLIJD
P2PNet, publication date: 23 February 2005
"However, what makes this interesting is that making music available online is deemed illegal if done without a proper license. But those licenses might not even exist.
For example, CNET reported yesterday that the Russian Allofmp3.com is “illegal”. Although it had a license from the Russian collective agency, the agency isn’t yet recognized internationally and is struggling to meet those standards. Same goes for the Spanish Weblisten.com, as the report states.
"
by RAYMOND BLIJD
P2PNet, publication date: 23 February 2005
"However, what makes this interesting is that making music available online is deemed illegal if done without a proper license. But those licenses might not even exist.
For example, CNET reported yesterday that the Russian Allofmp3.com is “illegal”. Although it had a license from the Russian collective agency, the agency isn’t yet recognized internationally and is struggling to meet those standards. Same goes for the Spanish Weblisten.com, as the report states.
"
Court Debates Anti-Piracy TV Technology
Court Debates Anti-Piracy TV Technology
by TED BRIDIS, AP
Yahoo News, publication date: 22 February 2005
"U.S. Circuit Judge Harry T. Edwards told the Federal Communications Commission (news - web sites) it 'crossed the line' requiring the new anti-piracy technology in next-generation television devices. But another appeals judge on the panel questioned whether consumers can challenge the FCC (news - web sites)'s rules in the courtroom."
by TED BRIDIS, AP
Yahoo News, publication date: 22 February 2005
"U.S. Circuit Judge Harry T. Edwards told the Federal Communications Commission (news - web sites) it 'crossed the line' requiring the new anti-piracy technology in next-generation television devices. But another appeals judge on the panel questioned whether consumers can challenge the FCC (news - web sites)'s rules in the courtroom."
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Judge Says FCC "Can't Regulate Washing Machines"
Judge Says FCC "Can't Regulate Washing Machines"
by DONNA WENTWORTH
Copyfight, publication date: 22 February 2005
by DONNA WENTWORTH
Copyfight, publication date: 22 February 2005
Monday, February 21, 2005
How Does Your EULA Suck?
How Does Your EULA Suck?
"Annalee Newitz counts the ways in a brilliant new white paper that provides example after example of stomach-turning end user license agreements (EULAs), explaining precisely how raw the deal is for anyone who clicks 'I agree.'"
by DONNA WENTWORTH
Copyfight, publication date: 19 February 2005
"Annalee Newitz counts the ways in a brilliant new white paper that provides example after example of stomach-turning end user license agreements (EULAs), explaining precisely how raw the deal is for anyone who clicks 'I agree.'"
by DONNA WENTWORTH
Copyfight, publication date: 19 February 2005
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Macrovision tries passive anti-copying for DVDs
Macrovision tries passive anti-copying for DVDs
"As when used on CDs, this passive approach will only work against some ripping programs, and in any case will become useless as the bugs in ripping programs are fixed. If the goal is to keep protected DVD content off the P2P nets, then this product will fail."
by ED FELTEN
Freedom to Tinker, publication date: 15 February 2005
"As when used on CDs, this passive approach will only work against some ripping programs, and in any case will become useless as the bugs in ripping programs are fixed. If the goal is to keep protected DVD content off the P2P nets, then this product will fail."
by ED FELTEN
Freedom to Tinker, publication date: 15 February 2005
New copy-proof DVDs on the way?
New copy-proof DVDs on the way?
"The company could be hard pressed to break into the DVD protection market, which has historically been managed by companies or industry groups closely associated with the Hollywood studios themselves. However, studios have been deeply concerned by the failure of today's DVD copy protection and may be willing to experiment with an alternative if it proves practical."
by JOHN BORLAND
CNet News, publication date: 15 February 2005
"The company could be hard pressed to break into the DVD protection market, which has historically been managed by companies or industry groups closely associated with the Hollywood studios themselves. However, studios have been deeply concerned by the failure of today's DVD copy protection and may be willing to experiment with an alternative if it proves practical."
by JOHN BORLAND
CNet News, publication date: 15 February 2005
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
One Way the Right of Reproduction Screws Things Up
One Way the Right of Reproduction Screws Things Up
"The publishers aren't claiming that Google is distributing too much from the books it scans, but that mere reproduction is enough to trigger copyright law. They're right, of course. Whether Google can successfully raise a fair use defense is a question, but I wouldn't bet on it."
by ERNEST MILLER
The Importance Of, publication date: 08 February 2005
"The publishers aren't claiming that Google is distributing too much from the books it scans, but that mere reproduction is enough to trigger copyright law. They're right, of course. Whether Google can successfully raise a fair use defense is a question, but I wouldn't bet on it."
by ERNEST MILLER
The Importance Of, publication date: 08 February 2005
Small orphan bill reintroduced, bigger implications? HR24
Small orphan bill reintroduced, bigger implications? HR24"And that's where I think the implications of this small bill are actually quite heartening. Howard 'Hollywood' Berman (CA) is sponsoring HR 24, with John Conyers (MI) and Zoe Lofgren (CA).
The implication, I think, is that film preservationists are willing to use the provision (once it's extended to films), despite the wretched 'normal commercial exploitation' language. Film copyrights are the absolute worst, what with underlying music, performance rights etc."
by MARY MINOW
LibraryLaw Blog, publication date: 07 February 2005
The implication, I think, is that film preservationists are willing to use the provision (once it's extended to films), despite the wretched 'normal commercial exploitation' language. Film copyrights are the absolute worst, what with underlying music, performance rights etc."
by MARY MINOW
LibraryLaw Blog, publication date: 07 February 2005
Chicago's public sculpture can't be photographed by the public
Chicago's public sculpture can't be photographed by the public
by CORY DOCTOROW
Boing Boing, publication date: 06 February 2005
"If I were them, I'd ask for my money back. What kind of jerk sculptor sells the city a piece of public art for a public park and then demands that no one take pictures of it? Christ, they should run this guy out of town on a rail and melt the goddamned sculpture down for scrap. Then they should fire the politician who signed a purchase contract that reserved the photographic rights and run him out of town on the same rail. Between the artist's greed and the procurement officer's malfeasance, this is about the vilest display of human venality I've heard of all day."
by CORY DOCTOROW
Boing Boing, publication date: 06 February 2005
"If I were them, I'd ask for my money back. What kind of jerk sculptor sells the city a piece of public art for a public park and then demands that no one take pictures of it? Christ, they should run this guy out of town on a rail and melt the goddamned sculpture down for scrap. Then they should fire the politician who signed a purchase contract that reserved the photographic rights and run him out of town on the same rail. Between the artist's greed and the procurement officer's malfeasance, this is about the vilest display of human venality I've heard of all day."
Eyewitness News 11.com: Duke Freshmen Use iPods for Classes and Tunes
Duke Freshmen Use iPods for Classes and Tunes
The iPods have been used mostly for recording lectures and interviews and replaying them on the go. Other academic uses include analyzing music, not only in a music theory course but also in engineering labs, which examined music from the standpoint of its sound properties.
...
"Students' private use of the devices is OK, O'Brien said, as long as it doesn't violate copyright or other laws."
The Associated Press
ABC 11 Eyewitness news, publication date: 08 February 2005
The iPods have been used mostly for recording lectures and interviews and replaying them on the go. Other academic uses include analyzing music, not only in a music theory course but also in engineering labs, which examined music from the standpoint of its sound properties.
...
"Students' private use of the devices is OK, O'Brien said, as long as it doesn't violate copyright or other laws."
The Associated Press
ABC 11 Eyewitness news, publication date: 08 February 2005
Thursday, February 03, 2005
NFL Tightens Super Bowl Restrictions
NFL Tightens Super Bowl Restrictions "In addition, Las Vegas will be one of five U.S. cities where league-hired investigators will be on the prowl this weekend to guard against potential violations of the league's copyright protections."
by CHRIS JONES
Casino City Times, publication date: 03 February 2005
by CHRIS JONES
Casino City Times, publication date: 03 February 2005
Bill to let companies sanitize movies moves fast
Bill to let companies sanitize movies moves fast
"The bill 'will help to end aggressive litigation threatening the viability of small companies like ClearPlay which are busy creating innovative technologies for consumers that allow them to tailor their home viewing experience to their own individual or family preferences,' Hatch said last week."
Associated Press
CNN.com, publication date: 02 February 2005
"The bill 'will help to end aggressive litigation threatening the viability of small companies like ClearPlay which are busy creating innovative technologies for consumers that allow them to tailor their home viewing experience to their own individual or family preferences,' Hatch said last week."
Associated Press
CNN.com, publication date: 02 February 2005
"Good luck with that..."
"Good luck with that..."
"Okay, that's about the best I can do without reading anything. For more BAR/BRI copyright violations from me, you'll have to wait until June, which will be the next time I touch any of these books."
by JEREMY BLACHMAN
The Record, publication date: 03 February 2005
"Okay, that's about the best I can do without reading anything. For more BAR/BRI copyright violations from me, you'll have to wait until June, which will be the next time I touch any of these books."
by JEREMY BLACHMAN
The Record, publication date: 03 February 2005
Righting copyright: fair use and "digital environmentalism"
Righting copyright: fair use and "digital environmentalism"
"As amazing an effort as Google Print is (creating nothing less than a virtual 'universal library of knowledge'), its logical goal—giving readers full access to the entire contents of that library—will be undercut by our intellectual property laws. It is an inherently unstable situation, and it is only a matter of time before someone (Amazon? Random House?) develops software to link this vast cache of literature to a convenient print-on-demand service (for which the hardware already exists). When it becomes possible to hold an inexpensive, physical copy of one of Google's digitized titles in one's hands—but only if it was first published prior to 1923 and is therefore in the public domain—people will begin to understand the implications of having something so obviously beneficial (universal access to universal knowledge) tethered to laws from another era. Google Print may be the Trojan Horse of the copyright wars."
by ROBERT S. BOYNTON
Bookforum, publication date: February/March 2005
"As amazing an effort as Google Print is (creating nothing less than a virtual 'universal library of knowledge'), its logical goal—giving readers full access to the entire contents of that library—will be undercut by our intellectual property laws. It is an inherently unstable situation, and it is only a matter of time before someone (Amazon? Random House?) develops software to link this vast cache of literature to a convenient print-on-demand service (for which the hardware already exists). When it becomes possible to hold an inexpensive, physical copy of one of Google's digitized titles in one's hands—but only if it was first published prior to 1923 and is therefore in the public domain—people will begin to understand the implications of having something so obviously beneficial (universal access to universal knowledge) tethered to laws from another era. Google Print may be the Trojan Horse of the copyright wars."
by ROBERT S. BOYNTON
Bookforum, publication date: February/March 2005
Groundhog Day
Freedom to Tinker: Groundhog Day
"Beyond this, the new passive measures, like the old ones, must rely on computer bugs that won't exist on some systems, and will tend to be fixed on others. On many computers, then, the new passive measures will have no effect at all, leaving only the old active measures, which will fall to the Shift Key trick. Now we can see why SunnComm's release stops short of claiming a Shift Key fix, and of claiming to prevent P2P infringement. We can see, too, why SunnComm's investors and customers will be disappointed, yet again, when the product is released and its limitations become obvious."
by ED FELTEN
Freedom to Tinker, publication date: 03 February 2005
"Beyond this, the new passive measures, like the old ones, must rely on computer bugs that won't exist on some systems, and will tend to be fixed on others. On many computers, then, the new passive measures will have no effect at all, leaving only the old active measures, which will fall to the Shift Key trick. Now we can see why SunnComm's release stops short of claiming a Shift Key fix, and of claiming to prevent P2P infringement. We can see, too, why SunnComm's investors and customers will be disappointed, yet again, when the product is released and its limitations become obvious."
by ED FELTEN
Freedom to Tinker, publication date: 03 February 2005
Microsoft Windows Really Crappy Edition
Microsoft Windows Really Crappy Edition
"Now, ordered by the European Union to sell a version of Windows with Media Player removed, Microsoft proposed to name the OS 'Windows XP Reduced Media Edition,' another example of the company's tendency to give the finger to government whenever the mood strikes. (This latest insult-the-judge move is even more puzzling given that the EU didn't tell our favorite monopolist to sell the 'reduced' version at a lower price, which means that PC makers are hardly likely to opt for a version that has less software at the same price.)"
by DAN GILLMOR
Dan Gillmor on Grassroots Journalism, Etc., publication date: 02 February 2005
"Now, ordered by the European Union to sell a version of Windows with Media Player removed, Microsoft proposed to name the OS 'Windows XP Reduced Media Edition,' another example of the company's tendency to give the finger to government whenever the mood strikes. (This latest insult-the-judge move is even more puzzling given that the EU didn't tell our favorite monopolist to sell the 'reduced' version at a lower price, which means that PC makers are hardly likely to opt for a version that has less software at the same price.)"
by DAN GILLMOR
Dan Gillmor on Grassroots Journalism, Etc., publication date: 02 February 2005
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
OSDL-Funded Legal Center Provides Free Services To Open Source Developers
OSDL-Funded Legal Center Provides Free Services To Open Source Developers
"The Open Source Development Lab (OSDL) has forked over $4 million to seed the creation of a law firm offering pro bono counsel to open-source projects and developers on thorny legal issues and licenses."
by PAULA ROONEY
CRN, publication date: 01 February 2005
"The Open Source Development Lab (OSDL) has forked over $4 million to seed the creation of a law firm offering pro bono counsel to open-source projects and developers on thorny legal issues and licenses."
by PAULA ROONEY
CRN, publication date: 01 February 2005
Microsoft, Macrovision align on copy protection
Microsoft, Macrovision align on copy protection
"The deal could make it harder for consumers to make permanent copies of TV shows and movies without permission, if they use computers running the Windows operating system. It should also help convince movie studios and other content producers to release their products in new ways online, the companies said."
by JOHN BORLAND
CNet News.com, publication date: 31 January 2005
"The deal could make it harder for consumers to make permanent copies of TV shows and movies without permission, if they use computers running the Windows operating system. It should also help convince movie studios and other content producers to release their products in new ways online, the companies said."
by JOHN BORLAND
CNet News.com, publication date: 31 January 2005
Monday, January 31, 2005
On Copyright Law and Myopia
On Copyright Law and Myopia
"Of course, BSA and NAB are doing no more than using the best arguments they have to further their own self interest. But it's important to recognize the arguments for what they are: myopic. You can argue all you want that because intellectual property protection is good, any form that props up your particular business model is also good -- but that doesn't make it so."
by DONNA WENTWORTH
Copyfight, publication date: 31 January 2005
"Of course, BSA and NAB are doing no more than using the best arguments they have to further their own self interest. But it's important to recognize the arguments for what they are: myopic. You can argue all you want that because intellectual property protection is good, any form that props up your particular business model is also good -- but that doesn't make it so."
by DONNA WENTWORTH
Copyfight, publication date: 31 January 2005
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Steal This Show
Steal This Show
"Not surprisingly, the repercussions - particularly the rapidly growing number of shows available for the plucking online - terrify industry executives, who remember only too well what Napster and other file-sharing programs did to the music industry. They fret that if unchecked, rampant trading of files will threaten the riches of the relatively new and surprisingly lucrative television DVD business. It could endanger sales of television shows to international markets and into syndication. And it could further endanger what for the past 50 years has been television's economic linchpin: the 30-second commercial."
by LORNE MANLY and JOHN MARKOFF
New York Times, publication date: 30 January 2005
"Not surprisingly, the repercussions - particularly the rapidly growing number of shows available for the plucking online - terrify industry executives, who remember only too well what Napster and other file-sharing programs did to the music industry. They fret that if unchecked, rampant trading of files will threaten the riches of the relatively new and surprisingly lucrative television DVD business. It could endanger sales of television shows to international markets and into syndication. And it could further endanger what for the past 50 years has been television's economic linchpin: the 30-second commercial."
by LORNE MANLY and JOHN MARKOFF
New York Times, publication date: 30 January 2005
Dusty to digital: many library, museum collections finding a home online
Dusty to digital: many library, museum collections finding a home online "'History belongs to everybody; it shouldn't be locked away in dark rooms,' said Michael Edmonds, deputy administrator of the Wisconsin Historical Society's library archives division. 'It should be on everybody's laptops at Starbucks.'"
by MARTHA IRVINE, Associated Press
San Antonion Express-News, publication date: 30 January 2005
by MARTHA IRVINE, Associated Press
San Antonion Express-News, publication date: 30 January 2005
Karaoke lands bars, restaurants in hot water with publishing group
Karaoke lands bars, restaurants in hot water with publishing group
"The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers announced last week it has sued 24 restaurants, clubs and bars in 15 states for allowing live performances of their members' songs or customers' singing of copyright music without permission, resulting in lost income for the artists."
by APRIL KINSER, Dallas Morning News
Duluth News Tribune, publication date: 30 January 2005
"The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers announced last week it has sued 24 restaurants, clubs and bars in 15 states for allowing live performances of their members' songs or customers' singing of copyright music without permission, resulting in lost income for the artists."
by APRIL KINSER, Dallas Morning News
Duluth News Tribune, publication date: 30 January 2005
Music, movie, and software file-sharing causes legal problems for students
Music, movie, and software file-sharing causes legal problems for students
"“Today, it’s very different,” says Stone. “It seems that a great majority are completely aware that it’s illegal, they shouldn’t do it, and they just got caught.”"
by JESSICA ULLIAN
B.U. Bridge, publication date: 28 January 2005
"“Today, it’s very different,” says Stone. “It seems that a great majority are completely aware that it’s illegal, they shouldn’t do it, and they just got caught.”"
by JESSICA ULLIAN
B.U. Bridge, publication date: 28 January 2005
Great News! Orphan works examined by Copyright Office - public comment solicited - deadline March 25th
Great News! Orphan works examined by Copyright Office - public comment solicited - deadline March 25th
"Finally, great news on the copyright front: The Copyright Office is asking for public comment on how to address the Orphan Works problem. EVERYONE who is involved in a library, archive, museum or any digitization project should weigh in on this one."
by MARY MINOW
LibraryLaw Blog, publication date: 29 January 2005
"Finally, great news on the copyright front: The Copyright Office is asking for public comment on how to address the Orphan Works problem. EVERYONE who is involved in a library, archive, museum or any digitization project should weigh in on this one."
by MARY MINOW
LibraryLaw Blog, publication date: 29 January 2005
Mobil SpeedPass, Various Car RFID Car Keys Cracked
Mobil SpeedPass, Various Car RFID Car Keys Cracked
by CmdrTaco
Slashdot, publication date: 30 January 2005
by CmdrTaco
Slashdot, publication date: 30 January 2005
Friday, January 21, 2005
Digital Media Project: A year of change in digital media
Digital Media Project: A year of change in digital media
Berkman Center for Internet & Society, publication date: 19 January 2005
"The report -- Copyright and Digital Media in a Post-Napster World -- updates a foundational whitepaper, released originally in 2003, to reflect major areas of change. In addition to new lawsuits and proposed legislation, one of the major developments since 2003 lies in international policy changes. "
Berkman Center for Internet & Society, publication date: 19 January 2005
"The report -- Copyright and Digital Media in a Post-Napster World -- updates a foundational whitepaper, released originally in 2003, to reflect major areas of change. In addition to new lawsuits and proposed legislation, one of the major developments since 2003 lies in international policy changes. "
Friday, January 07, 2005
Motorola Previews iTunes Phone
Motorola Previews iTunes Phone
by MATT HICKS
PC Magazine, publication date: 06 January 2005
"Speaking during a keynote at the International Consumer Electronics Show here, the executive demonstrated the phone, which in many ways mimics the iPod. It syncs with a computer and the iTunes Music Store like an iPod does, and incorporates the iPod interface for navigating and playing digital music, said Ron Garriques, a Motorola executive vice president."
by MATT HICKS
PC Magazine, publication date: 06 January 2005
"Speaking during a keynote at the International Consumer Electronics Show here, the executive demonstrated the phone, which in many ways mimics the iPod. It syncs with a computer and the iTunes Music Store like an iPod does, and incorporates the iPod interface for navigating and playing digital music, said Ron Garriques, a Motorola executive vice president."
iTunes user sues Apple over FairPlay DRM
iTunes user sues Apple over FairPlay DRM
by PETER COHEN
Yahoo! News, publication date: 06 January 2005
"One point of contention voiced by critics -- and by the lawyers filing Slattery's suit -- is that Apple hasn't licensed FairPlay to other portable music player makers and music stores: Only iPods can play songs downloaded from the iTunes Music Store, they say."
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Gates taking a seat in your den
Gates taking a seat in your den |
by MICHAEL KANELLOS
CNet News.com, publication date: 05 January 2005
Q: "In recent years, there's been a lot of people clamoring to reform and restrict intellectual-property rights. It started out with just a few people, but now there are a bunch of advocates saying, 'We've got to look at patents, we've got to look at copyrights.' What's driving this, and do you think intellectual-property laws need to be reformed?
A: No, I'd say that of the world's economies, there's more that believe in intellectual property today than ever. There are fewer communists in the world today than there were. There are some new modern-day sort of communists who want to get rid of the incentive for musicians and moviemakers and software makers under various guises. They don't think that those incentives should exist.
"
by MICHAEL KANELLOS
CNet News.com, publication date: 05 January 2005
Q: "In recent years, there's been a lot of people clamoring to reform and restrict intellectual-property rights. It started out with just a few people, but now there are a bunch of advocates saying, 'We've got to look at patents, we've got to look at copyrights.' What's driving this, and do you think intellectual-property laws need to be reformed?
A: No, I'd say that of the world's economies, there's more that believe in intellectual property today than ever. There are fewer communists in the world today than there were. There are some new modern-day sort of communists who want to get rid of the incentive for musicians and moviemakers and software makers under various guises. They don't think that those incentives should exist.
"
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Bleary Days for Eyes on the Prize
Wired News: Bleary Days for Eyes on the Prize
by KATIE DEAN
Wired News, publication date: 22 December 2004
""It's a scenario from hell," said Jon Else, series producer and cinematographer for Eyes on the Prize, and now director of the documentary program at the University of California at Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. "(Licensing agreements) are short because it's all we can afford. The funding for documentaries in this country (is) abysmal.""
by KATIE DEAN
Wired News, publication date: 22 December 2004
""It's a scenario from hell," said Jon Else, series producer and cinematographer for Eyes on the Prize, and now director of the documentary program at the University of California at Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. "(Licensing agreements) are short because it's all we can afford. The funding for documentaries in this country (is) abysmal.""
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