Public Policy Connections

Limewire Loses Case over Copyright Infringement

P2P file-sharing software company LimeWire has lost a long-running court battle with the major recording companies. The judge granted summary judgment to the RIAA on several of the key issues in the case including: inducement of copyright infringement, common law copyright infringement, and unfair competition.  The judgment holds not only Lime Wire, but also its shareholder (Lime Group) and its CEO and sole director, liable as well.

In 2008 several groups, including SLA, submitted an amicus brief  on the issue of 'secondary liability' and the 'inducement' rule in the case of Arista Records v. Lime Wire.

Read E-Commerce Times: Court Defeat Puts LimeWire Back in the Limelight 

Read Huffington Post: LimeWire Loses RIAA Case Over Copyright Infringement

Read SLA Public Policy Blog (October 2008): Amicus Brief Submitted in Arista v. Lime Wire on Secondary Liability and Inducement

Copyright Certificate Program Courses @ SLA 2010

SLA's Click University Certificate in Copyright Management: Principles and Issues Program, in partnership with Information Outlook columnist Lesley Ellen Harris, has been developed for info pros who deal with copyright administration and management issues.

Whether it's obtaining copyright permissions, managing compliance, negotiating and interpreting license agreements, or dealing with digital content, this package of courses will show you how to keep your organization on track.

12 June 2010 - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
CCM600 Managing the Use of Copyright Materials

13 June 2010 - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
CCM700 Managing Enterprise-Wide Copyright Education

Learn more & register

Analysis Finds Proposed Google Books Settlement Violates International Laws and Treaties

On 10 May 2010, the Open Book Alliance, of which SLA is a member, released a comprehensive analysis that details how the proposed Google Books Settlement violates international laws and treaties. For the first time, the proposed class action settlement between Google, the Association of American Publishers and the Author's Guild has been fully evaluated to determine the claims and remedies that other nations may seek through the World Trade Organization for the violations that an approved Google Books Settlement would incur.

 

Read Huffington Post: : Google Books Settlement 'Violates Treaties,' Says Open Book Alliance

 

Read FindLaw:  Analysis Finds Proposed Google Books Settlement Violates International Laws and Treaties

 

Read Information Today: Open Book Alliance Releases Comprehensive Analysis of Proposed Google Books Settlement

FCC Issues Statement on Broadband Framework for Net Neutrality

On 6 May 2010 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) claimed power to regulate companies that provide Internet access, opening a fight with cable and telephone companies. The statement from the Chairman of the FCC lays a foundation for net neutrality rules to bar Internet service providers from interfering with users’ traffic. The plan provides “only the modest authority” needed after a US court limited its power over the Web. The Statement describes a path forward, and will begin with seeking public comment on a narrow and tailored legal foundation for the FCC’s approach to broadband communications services.

Read Newsweek story: FCC Reclaims Powers Over Internet Access Companies
Read Statement from FCC Chairman: The Third Way: A Narrowly Tailored Broadband Framework
Read SLA Public Policy Blog posts:
European Commission to Ask for Public Input on Net Neutrality (21 April 2010)
FCC Power Limited in Network Neutrality (12 April 2010)

US Senate Unanimously Approves Faster FOIA Act

On 5 May 2010 the US Senate voted unanimously to pass an amendment to the Freedom of Information Act that is designed to speed up public records requests and investigate the sizable backlog of those still pending.

The bipartisan Faster FOIA Act would establish a commission to investigate FOIA backlogs and recommend how to expedite future requests. “Senator Cornyn and I believe that agency delays in processing FOIA requests are simply unacceptable, and that is why we introduced this bill,” Leahy said in a release. The legislation came in the wake of a study done by The Associated Press that found agencies were citing more exemptions to FOIA requests even though the number of requests has decreased and the Obama administration has called for more transparency.

International Copyright Law Principles: Course begins 10 May 2010

International Copyright Law Principles (CCM300) is the third of seven required courses for the SLA/Click University Certificate in Copyright Management: Principles and Issues.

At the end of this course participants will understand the background of international copyright law, why international law applies to their librarians and enterprises, how to apply the international aspect of copyright law to their use and distribution of content, what international copyright law consists of, and how international copyright organizations can help the participants. The participant will be able to understand differences in copyright laws in different countries, what that means in the everyday use of content in their enterprises, the concept of national treatment under international treaties, guiding principles in the leading international copyright convention, the Berne Convention, and treatment of digital copyright issues from an international perspective. Participants will be able to describe copyright issues related to the worldwide exploitation of rights, and obtaining global permissions, and participate in discussions on the future of international copyright law.

Questions? Need more info? Contact clicku@sla.org

 Register for: International Copyright Law Principles

SLA Signs on to European Copyright for Creativity Declaration

SLA and other groups representing consumers, content creators, libraries, civil societies and technology companies in Europe released Copyright for Creativity, a declaration calling for a European copyright law truly adapted to the Internet age.  “It is crucial in today’s global economy that a balanced and effective harmonization of copyright limitations and exceptions are addressed. The Copyright for Creativity – A Declaration for Europe is an excellent step in this process of supporting creation, innovation, competition and the public interest." stated Janice Lachance, CEO, Special Libraries Association.

SLA is a signatory of the declaration, and supports a European copyright regime fostering digital creativity, innovation, education, and access to cultural works — and therefore ultimately European competitiveness in a digital world.

Read News Stories:
Copyright law must be relaxed, say EU group
Copyright exceptions must be expanded and clarified, says new group

Read Press Release:
Broad coalition calls for European copyright to support digital creativity and innovation   
Read Declaration:
Copyright for Creativity – A Declaration for Europe 

Audit Reveals Wide Variation in US Government Agency Plans to Make Government More Open

A ranking of US government agencies’ Open Government Plans compiled during an independent audit reveals the strongest and weakest agency plans, with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at the top of the list and the Department of Justice (DOJ) at the bottom. The audit also found that several agencies that are supposed to lead by example on the government openness front failed to do so in their Open Government Plans.

The Obama administration’s December 8, 2009, Open Government Directive (OGD) required executive agencies to develop and post Open Government Plans by April 7, 2010. The OGD specified elements related to transparency, participation, and collaboration that must be included in the plans. The audit acknowledges that all the agencies required to produce a plan completed them within the four month deadline. This alone is an important indicator of the administration’s commitment to openness.

Read Press Release.