TOP 10 COPYRIGHT CASES FOR JULY

Some good stuff, courtesy of Lexis.

http://www.lexisnexis.com/community/copyright-trademarklaw/blogs/topcases/archive/2011/08/02/top-10-copyright-cases-for-the-month-of-july-2011.aspx

ASCAP Takes One On The Chin

When I was growing up, it was pretty easy to distinguish mechanical reproductions from public performances. I usually just asked Alexander Graham Bell.

However, one’s and zero’s changed everything. ASCAP called Yahoo and RealNetworks wankers for not licensing digital downloads and went all argy-bargy in District Court. The Judge said ASCAP’s argument was balls-up and ASCAP appealed.

The 2nd Circuit was not gobsmacked by ASCAP and agreed that a digital download (as opposed to streaming) is a mechanical reproduction. No PRO license needed! Wanna read more?

The Antichrist Repents

My colleagues and friends know that I am no fan of Google.  Only Ambassadors of Satan thumb their noses at copyright law while peering into my back yard with rolling cameras.  Do no evil? 

However, this is a cool Google search engine, and it probably doesn’t trample the intellectual property rights of others.  Google Scholar: take it for a test ride today!

http://scholar.google.com/

My special purpose

I learned from Steve Martin that we all have a special purpose.  I have been searching for my special purpose for decades.  I think I found it in a bottle of Layer Cake Primitivo last week (the best $15.00 zinfandel on the planet).

I think it’s time for another special purpose, though.  Thus, I am going to waste time and bandwidth by posting incoherent diatribe about law, music, wine, food, and my gnarly hometown, Nashville.

Cowabunga. Stay tuned for the next exciting episode.