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Approximate Running Time: 01:03 CLE CREDIT
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Show notes… after the jump

• Launchcast is NOT an interactive service

• Launchcast is a webcasting service that provides users with individualized internet radio stations – the content of which can be affected by users’ ratings of songs, artists, and albums – is an interactive service within the meaning of 17 U.S.C. § 114(j)(7).  If it is an interactive service, the webcasting service would be required to pay individual licensing fees to those copyright holders of the sound recordings of songs the webcasting service plays for its users

• • http://news.softpedia.com/news/Yahoo-Wins-Copyright-Infringement-Lawsuit-119902.shtml

  • http://www.thresq.com/2009/08/webcasting-interactive-launchcast.html

  • http://www.broadcastlawblog.com/2009/08/articles/internet-radio/court-of-appeals-determines-that-launchcast-is-not-an-interactive-service-thus-not-needing-direct-licenses-from-the-record-labels/

  • http://www.thresq.com/2009/08/webcasting-interactive-launchcast.html

• Jessica Seinfeld’s win in cookbook copyright case.

  • http://www.thresq.com/2009/09/jessica-seinfeld-wins-cookbook-copyright-lawsuit.html

• The King of Beers not getting the royal treatment in Europe.  – Bud Battle?

  • http://ipandentertainmentlaw.wordpress.com/2009/09/10/bud-battle-continues-in-czech-court/

• Dish Network/Echostar fined $200 Million for contempt in TiVo Case

  • http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/court-awards-tivo-200m-in-damages-from-dishechostar-in-patent-case

  • /http://mcsmith.blogs.com/eastern_district_of_texas/2009/06/court-grants-tivos-motion-to-hold-echostar-in-contempt.html

• United Transp. Union Local 1745 v. City Of Albuquerque

  City of Albuquerque orders transcripts of hearings.  Plaintiff’s attorney then obtains transcripts through Inspection of Public Records Act , instead of purchasing from Ct. Reporter service.  Service sues.  Held:   Defense.  No property right in the transcripts.

  • http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ExclusiveRights/~3/4MdN3qBKe7M/

  • http://www.exclusiverights.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/United-Transportation-Union-Local-1745-v.-City-of-Albuquerque.pdf

• Annie Leibovitz in legal hot-water – 1 case settled, 1 to go
  • Art Capital Group – Copyright as security for loans?
  • This dispute is between Annie Liebovitz and Art Capital Group over Ms. Leibovitz’s refusal or inability to pay back her $24 million loan by the deadline (9/8/09).  Currently, Art Capital Group and Ms. Leibovitz have reached an agreement: a new deadline will be set for the loan repayment and Leibovitz bought back the rights to sell her homes and copyrights.  The real dispute centers around money and is rooted in Ms. Leibovitz’s inability to manage her finances properly.  But, the interesting part is that it involves a celebrity/icon leveraging the future value of her intellectual property.
    • http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-leibovitz5-2009sep05,0,6842384.story
  • Annie borrowed a total of $24 million with her life’s work.  Annie’s financial mismanagement almost caused her to default, but Art Capital Group gave her more time and let her buy back her copyrights.  Art Capital is worried that Annie will file for bankruptcy and then they’ll have to deal with the courts handling all of her debt.  Where will they be in that line?
• Art Capital also sued Getty Images for negotiating a contract that violated the loan agreement’s terms (confidentiality agreements) and making it difficult for Art Capital to sell Leibovitz’s archives
  • “Getty announced earlier this year it would represent Leibovitz for some current assignments, a deal which Art Capital said violated confidentiality agreements it had with Getty.”
  • http://www.pdnonline.com/pdn/content_display/photo-news/photojournalism/e3id4e011604f3ec5829edbcaaddc080f82
  • http://www.pdnonline.com/pdn/content_display/photo-news/photojournalism/e3id4e011604f3ec5829edbcaaddc080f82

• Paolo Pizzetti v. Liebovitz, Liebovitz Studio, Lavazza Premium Coffees Corp.
  • http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/09
  • This case is between Paolo Pizzetti and Annie Leibovitz over Ms. Leibovitz use of Mr. Pizzetti’s photos in a calendar.  Currently Mr. Pizzetti’s complaint has been filed in the New York Southern District of New York for $300K. Pizzetti v. Leibovitz, 1:2009cv07696 (S.D.N.Y September 4, 2009).  The real dispute centers around copyright infringement. photographer who scouted locations in Italy, sent digital images to Leibovitz –> project moved to NYC
  • Pizzetti claims 2 of his photos were used without permission for the calendar/05/2009-09-05_oh_snap_another_suit_hits_fotog_leibovitz.htmlhttp://www.thecelebritycafe.com/features/31053.html

Show Notes

Legislation & Rulemaking

• Copyright Office – Fees for Special Handling of registration applications will be waived for applications that have been pending for 6 months, and where the registration is needed  because the applicant is about to file an action for infringement.  37 CFR Part 201

• Copyright Office – proposed changes to deposit requirements  http://www.askbeforeyouact.org/BLOG/post/Copyright-Office-Proposes-Change-to-Copyright-Deposit-Requirements.aspx
• This applies to Section 407 deposits.  (unpublished works) http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap4.html#407
• The proposed amendments would change current practice by permitting the Copyright Office to issue a demand for copies of works published only online.  The revised regulations would also establish the process for issuing and responding to a Copyright Office demand, amend the definition of a “complete copy” of a work for purposes of mandatory deposit of online–only works, and establish new best edition criteria for electronic serials available only online.  The copyright Office is seeking public comment on these proposed regulation change. These comments are due on August 31st.

Court Quick-takes

• Joel Tenenbaum admits to file-sharing, and,  after Directed verdict on liability, jury returns damage award of $675,000
• Salinger Case
  • http://www.askbeforeyouact.org/BLOG/post/Chapter-Two–No-Sequel-To-Catcher-In-The-Rye-In-The-US.aspx
    • Amicus Briefs Filed
      • http://www.askbeforeyouact.org/BLOG/post.aspx?id=3efb60a0-a0b1-4d45-b17c-616e8621e422
      • http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/media_law_prof_blog/2009/08/more-on-the-appeal-in-the-salingercolting-case.html
• 9th Circuit changes stance on “prevailing party” in dismissals without prejudice
• 9th Circuit finds personal jurisdiction/venue by “purposeful availment” – makes it easier to reach a Defendant in the plaintiff’s choice of venue.

Religion - The Pope’s view of intellectual property laws.

Sports

• Reebok to Marcin Gortat: Jordan Tattoo Won’t Fly — NBA FanHouse
• Who’s liable for the Erin Andrews nude video?–THR, Esq. – Entertainment and Media Law.
• Photographer Sues ESPN for Copyright Infringement over Unauthorized Photo Use
• NCAA and Rights of Publicity of student athletes (during and after college)
  • ‘NCAA Football ‘10′ offers drama on field and off – Doug Elfman
  • Sports of The Times – A Lasting Image – Standing Up to the N.C.A.A. – NYTimes.com

Political uses of pop music

• McCain settles with Jackson Browne
• ENTERTAINMENT LITIGATION: ANOTHER REPUBLICAN POLITICIAN SUED OVER USE OF MUSIC  – Entertainment Litigation Blog

Obama /NORML poster – copyrightissues.
(see the photo and poster in question)

Sculptures and Sculptural Works

• Wall Street Bull
  • http://www.businessinsider.com/wall-street-bull-artist-sues-author-of-lehman- brothers-book-2009-7
  • http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=ac6dQjEhFGFs&refer=us
    

• Mermaid
  • http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20090731/0337175728.shtml
  • http://www.thedailynews.cc/Main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=11&ArticleID=29001z
    
• LEGO refuses permission for spinal-tap video on DVD

Download Episode (right click)

Approximate Running Time: 1:06 CLE CREDIT
($19.99)

SHOW NOTES

In this episode:

Copyright Fees are increasing effective August 1, 2009

• http://www.copyright.gov/docs/fees.html

Pandora Web Radio reaches a settlement on music royalty rates.

• http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2009/07/pandora-agrees-to-new-royalty-plan-will-start-char.html
• http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/technology/2009/7/10/riaa_negotiates_rates_with_pandora_online.htm
• http://gizmodo.com/5309421/pandora-agreement-saves-internet-radio
• http://www.marketwatch.com/story/internet-radio-saved-at-a-small-cost?siteid=nwhpm

ASCAP wants to be paid when your phone rings

• http://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2009/06/ascap-wants-be-paid-
• http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/InPropriaPersona/~3/XzhJ0lIJCWM/

CASES

Jammie Thomas – Rassett loses file sharing suit brought by RIAA – $1.9 Million Verdict!
Capitol v. Thomas, No. 06-1497 (D. Minn., 2009)

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitol_v._Thomas
• http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/06/riaa-jury-slaps-2-million-fine-on-jammie-thomas/
• http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10268199-93.html
• Comprehensive List of Links to Commentary
• Comprehensive List of Court Docs

JD Salinger prevents publication of new book
Salinger v. Colting, No. 09-50905 (S.D.N.Y. 2009) Order

• http://www.askbeforeyouact.org/blog/post/A-Sequel-to-Catcher-In-The-Rye.aspx
• http://www.askbeforeyouact.org/blog/post/Chapter-Two–No-Sequel-To-Catcher-In-The-Rye-In-The-US.aspx
• http://entertainmentagentblog.com/2009/06/30/catcher-and-the-lye/
• http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/wsj/law/feed/~3/Ei1C17yNSAk/
• http://www.1010wins.com/pages/4512245.php?contentType=4&contentId=4099583

YOUTUBE CASE OF THE MONTH

Google Class Action:  No foreign plaintiffs without US Copyright registrations may be part of the class. (The Football Assn. Premier League v. YouTube)

• http://www.youtubeclassaction.com/
• http://www.youtubeclassaction.com/

TENENBAUM LITIGATION

(THE CIRCUS CONTINUES)

• Labels have made Motion for Summary Judgment re Tenenbaum;s fair use defense.
  • http://copyrightsandcampaigns.blogspot.com/2009/06/tenenbaum-court-dismisses-counterclaims.html
• Counterclaims re Abuse of Process – Dismissed, Motion to join RIAA – denied, Questions unconstitutionality of Statutory Damages – deferred
  • http://copyrightsandcampaigns.blogspot.com/2009/06/tenenbaum-court-dismisses-counterclaims.html

• Tenenbaum’s attorney in the crosshairs.
  • http://copyrightsandcampaigns.blogspot.com/2009/07/labels-reply-to-nesson-on-recordings.html
  • http://copyrightsandcampaigns.blogspot.com/2009/07/nesson-responds-to-osc-re-taping-claims.html
• Some other links about the Tenenbaum case: http://www.entmedialaw.com/?query=tenenbaum

FAIR USE CORNER

Does an Anti-Plagiarism Service Violate Students’ Copyrights when it maintains a database (i.e., copies) of  student papers?

• http://www.theiplawblog.com/archives/-copyright-law-does-an-antiplagiarism-service-violate-students-copyrights.html

Supreme Court Denies Cert in Cablevision online DVR case.

NOVELTY CASE OF THE MONTH

Man sues over use of canned music in British production of a musical… and wins!   (UK  case)

• http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/richard_morrison/article6661672.ece?openComment=true

Lindt Chocolate Bunny trademark dispute? (Belgium? Switzerland? EU?)

• http://jetl.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/lindt-defends-chocolate-bunny/

Yes, Lindt does have a US trademark registration for “Chocolate, chocolate products, namely, a chocolate bunny in a foil wrapper.”

Link to screen shot from pto http://www.jdsupra.com/post/documentViewer.aspx?fid=3d26257d-7d8d-46d3-bb2a-4189816626c3

The application was based upon a priority filing date from a foreign application.  The US application was initially refused with the examining attorney claiming the proposed mark comprises a configuration of the goods that is not inherently distinctive and would not be perceived as a mark.  The refusal was overcome by filing a distinctiveness claim (provision 2(f)) based on continuous use of over 5 years and a claim in an earlier filed US trademark application.  The question remains, if the EU registration is cancelled, could the US registration be cancelled because of the priority claim relating to the EU registration, or would the US registration be amended to show a later date of first use?

Guest: Adrianos Facheti, Esq.

DEFAMATION

GUEST – Adrianos Fachetti, Internet Defamation Law Blog http://www.defamationlawblog.com/

• New Jersey Court rules Blogger is not a journalist and not subject to reporter’s privilege or shield law
  • http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/media_law_prof_blog/2009/07/new-jersey-judge-rules-blogger-cannot-claim-protection-of-shield-law.html
  • Where’s the line between journalist and citizen-on-a-soapbox?
  • Is a blogger a “media defendant”?
  • Does NY Times v. Sullivan elevated standard of “Actual Malice” apply?
• By Contrast, California courts have held that Bloggers ARE journalists:
  • http://www.mediabloggers.org/california-courts-rule-bloggers-are-journalists
  • Apple Barred From Obtaining Source Of Blog’s Article –   O’Grady v. Superior Court - 139 Cal. App. 4th 1423, 2006 WL 1452685 (Cal. App. , 6th Dist., May 26, 2006)
• Sarah Palin resigns, attorney threatens media, bloggers, etc.  (Adrianos’ Blog post commenting on state of journalism)
  • Would she have a claim?  Public Figure?  Couched as opinion?  Reporting on the fact of rumors?

SHOW NOTES

In this episode:

• Congratulations to Maren Christensen, Executive VP and General Counsel at Universal Studios,  who’s been named Beverly Hills Bar Association’s Entertainment Lawyer of the Year for 2009.
• Supreme Court Nominee  Sotomayor’s background and 2nd Circuit ruling in favor of statutory damages as deterrent.
• Backlog at the Copyright Office
  • Washington Post Article
  • Copyright Office Response
• Does the Register of Copyrights hold office lawfully?  A pending Constitutional Appointments Clause challenge  questions the validity of CRB appointments, but what about the Register’s ministerial Acts?
• Sports Leagues losing control of fantasy-sports leagues as Courts rule that the First Amendment trumps rights of publicity, and player statistics, etc., where there’s a public interest in the information.
  • CBS Interactive, Inc. v. NFL Players Ass’n, Inc. (U.S. District of MN 2009)
    Civil No. 08-5097 ADM/SRN
  • CBC Distribution and Marketing, Inc. v. MLB Advanced Media, L.P.
    505 F.3d 818 (8th Cir. 2007)
• Good discussion of “Access” element of copying analysis in ruling on Summary Judgment for Defendant in song plagiarism suit.
  • Brainard v. Vassar, (U.S. District, M.D., Tennessee 2009) 3:07-cv-00929
• Warner Music issues DMCA Takedown on Organization that hosted Prof. Lessig talk
• Woody Allen/American Apparel case settles
  • Complaint
  • Answer to Complaint
  • Order and Stipulation re: Settlement
• Supreme Court refuses to hear Steinbeck copyright termination appeal
  • Penguin Group v. Steinbeck, 537 F.3d 193 (2nd Cir. 2008)
  • Classic Media, Inc. v. Mewborn, 532 F.3d 978 (9th Cir. 2008) (involving Lassie rights)
• SAG settles Force Majeure claims
• Tenenbaum’s fair use argument – Case is set for trial July 20.
  • Sony BMG Music Entertainment v. Tenenbaum, 07-11446, E.D. Mass. 2007 Consolidated into Capital Records, Inc. v. Alaujan, 03-11661,E.D. Mass. 2007
  • See Case documents at http://joelfightsback.com/about-the-case/legal-documents/

SHOW NOTES

In this episode:

• SAG & AMPTP have arrived at a deal…
• The competing  “Octomom” trademark  registrations
• Is giving a (loaded)  iPod as a gift an act of copyright infringement? (First Sale and Fair Use) (President’s gift to Queen ElizabethII)
• Copyright and Defamation issues in new social media… Twitter, Facebook, etc. Courtney Love being sued..  a cautionary tale for anybody who uses the Web?
  • 1st Circuit won’t review defamation ruling in Noonan vs. Staples.
• Copyright holders taking action against content “scraping” websites.  (Hot News doctrine)
• Fair Use, YouTube, DMCA takedowns, etc. -
  • YouTube says 37% of DMCA takedown notices are not valid copyright claims, etc.
  • Wish Upon a star” – Fox’s “Family Guy” “parody”/”satire”
• Litigation:  “Push” lawsuits – When is a deal a deal?

Featured Topic: Ownership of partners’ and principals’ intellectual property contributions to a business in the absence of employment agreements.