It is Friday again and that means that it is time for another episode of the Copyright 2.0 Show.

With Patrick on the road and unable to record last week, we have a lot of catching up to do as there’s two week’s worth of news to get through in just one hour. However, the biggest stories all came from the most recent week including the closure of BTJunkie and “used” music reseller Redigi living to fight another day. However, we also get caught up on the ongoing stories such as the ACTA protests and the Oracle/SAP lawsuit just to name two.

It’s definitely an episode you don’t want to miss, especially if you like Coca Cola (long story).

This week’s stories include:

• BTJunkie Voluntarily Closes
• “Used” Music Seller Redigi Fights On, Avoids Injunction
• After Protests, Three Countries Put ACTA Ratification on Hold
• Oracle Seeks New Trial in Lawsuit Against SAP
• Pirate Bay Sentences are Final, Supreme Court Denies Appeal
• Much, Much More!

You can download the MP3 file here (direct download). Those interested in subscribing to the show can do so via this feed.

Show Notes

About the Hosts

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey (@plagiarismtoday) is the Webmaster and author of Plagiarism Today (Hint: You’re there now) and works as a copyright and plagiarism consultant. Though not an attorney, he has resolved over 700 cases of plagiarism involving his own work and has helped countless others protect their work and develop strategies for making their content work as hard as possible toward their goals.

Patrick O’Keefe

Patrick O’Keefe (@iFroggy) is the owner of the iFroggy Network, a network of websites covering various interests. He’s the author of the book “Managing Online Forums,” a practical guide to managing online communities and social spaces. He maintains a blog about online community management at ManagingCommunities.com and a personal blog at patrickokeefe.com.

Have any suggestions for the 3 Count? Let me know via Twitter @plagiarismtoday.

1: Oracle Seeks New Trial in Suit Against SAP, According to Court Filing

First off today, Oracle, which is suing competitor SAP over alleged infringement by SAP’s TomorrowNow division, is now seeking a new trial rather than taking the reduced damages of $272 million from the first trial. In that first trial, the jury awarded Oracle $1.3 billion in damages, the largest award in a copyright lawsuit, but the judge quickly reduced the damages by over $1 billion citing a lack of evidence. Rather than accepting the reduced judgment, Oracle is now seeking a second trial and what it calls “clarification” on the law. SAP has admitted to the infringement but disputes the amount of damages it owes.

2: Central Europe Backs Out of Copyright Deal After Protests

Next up today, three central European countries have announced that they are putting ratification of the controversial Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) on hold. Those countries include Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, all of which saw anti-ACTA protests following its signing a few weeks ago. The treaty, which is an attempt to harmonize copyright, trademark and patent enforcement across all countries, was signed by most of the EU though some countries are delaying ratification due to public outcry against the treaty.

3: Judge Denies Initial Effort To Shut Down 'Used' Digital Music Seller ReDigi

Finally today, ReDigi, a startup that sells “used” digital tracks has won an early round in its case against Capitol Records, which sued the company for copyright infringement. However, the judge in the case, in denying Capitol Records’ earliest attempts at an injunction against ReDigi, has decided that there is a great deal at stake with this case and is wanting to hear more arguments before making any decisions. The judge had previously blocked Google’s attempts to file briefs in the case but may have taken some of the issues raised by Google to heart. The case now moves forward, possibly to a full trial.

Suggestions

That’s it for the three count today. We will be back tomorrow with three more copyright links. If you have a link that you want to suggest a link for the column or have any proposals to make it better. Feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. I hope to hear from you.

Want the Full Story?

Tune in every Wednesday evening at 5 PM ET for the live recording of the Copyright 2.0 Show or wait and get the edited version Friday right here on Plagiarism Today.

The 3 Count Logo was created by Justin Goff and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License.

Have any suggestions for the 3 Count? Let me know via Twitter @plagiarismtoday.

1: Google Protest of Anti-Piracy Upends Lobbying

First off today, with the SOPA/PIPA “blackout” protests behind them, anti-SOPA advocates are tallying the results. So far, that includes 9 co-sponsors of the bills, including 5 in the Senate and four in the House, that have withdrawn their support for the bills. The two bills, which were being rewritten prior to the protests, would both have allowed copyright holders and the Attorney General to obtain court orders requiring ISPs to block access to “rogue” websites existing primarily for the purpose of copyright infringement. Copyright holders also could have ordered payment processors and advertisers to stop giving money to such sites. The bills are both being redrafted following a rebuke from the White House on the site blocking provisions.

2: Grooveshark Forced Offline in Germany by Copyright Organisation

Next up today, music streaming service Grooveshark has been forced to disable access to German listeners due to a protracted legal fight against the local music rights group GEMA. According to Grooveshark, “disproportionately high operating costs” in the country are forcing the move and the site, in its notice of closure, is asking its users to send a “polite” letter to GEMA over the matter. Grooveshark will continue to serve other countries, including the U.S., where it is being sued by all four of the major record labels over its service. Grooveshark, however, claims to be protected by DMCA safe harbors as the music it streams is uploaded by users.

3: Oracle Offers to Drop Patent Charges Against Google, to Speed Trial

Finally today, Oracle, in a filing made Tuesday in its ongoing case against Google, has offered to put on hold its patent claims if the court will hear its copyright ones more quickly. According to Oracle, Google misappropriated elements of the JAVA language in building their Android operating system, including both patent and copyright violations and is seeking both damages and an injunction against Google. However, disputes and challenges over damage estimates in the patent portion of the case has slowed the case to a halt, thus prompting the move. Google strongly denies the allegations.

Suggestions

That’s it for the three count today. We will be back tomorrow with three more copyright links. If you have a link that you want to suggest a link for the column or have any proposals to make it better. Feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. I hope to hear from you.

Want the Full Story?

Tune in every Wednesday evening at 5 PM ET for the live recording of the Copyright 2.0 Show or wait and get the edited version Friday right here on Plagiarism Today.

The 3 Count Logo was created by Justin Goff and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License.

It is Friday again and that means that it is time for another episode of the Copyright 2.0 Show.

Outside the weather is getting cooler, the leaves are turning and so too the seasons change for copyright. With an insane week of for copyright news we have an update on ACTA, after a nearly year-long period of silence, a possible “one strike” law in Italy and a guilty pleas from one of the NinjaVideo admins.

All in all, this is an episode you do not want to miss, especially if you’re interested in international copyright news.

This week’s stories include:

• ACTA to Be Signed Tomorrow in Japan
• New Italian Law May Mean “One Strike” for File Sharers
• Former NinjaVideo Admin Pleads Guilty
• Oracle Says Damages in Google Case May Reach $1.2 Billion
• Righthaven Loses in Colorado Too
• $10 Copyright Settlements?

You can download the MP3 file here (direct download). Those interested in subscribing to the show can do so via this feed.

Show Notes

About the Hosts

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey (@plagiarismtoday) is the Webmaster and author of Plagiarism Today (Hint: You’re there now) and works as a copyright and plagiarism consultant. Though not an attorney, he has resolved over 700 cases of plagiarism involving his own work and has helped countless others protect their work and develop strategies for making their content work as hard as possible toward their goals.

Patrick O’Keefe

Patrick O’Keefe (@iFroggy) is the owner of the iFroggy Network, a network of websites covering various interests. He’s the author of the book “Managing Online Forums,” a practical guide to managing online communities and social spaces. He maintains a blog about online community management at ManagingCommunities.com and a personal blog at patrickokeefe.com.

Have any suggestions for the 3 Count? Let me know via Twitter @plagiarismtoday.

1: 98% of BitTorrent Users In Copyright Shakedown Filed in Wrong Jurisdiction

The U.S. Copyright Group, best known for its massive litigation campaign against alleged Bittorrent file sharers, has decided to change venues for its operation. Following a pair of defeats in the District of Columbia on jurisdictional grounds, the group has decided to try nearby Maryland to see if it has better luck. It has filed a suit there against some 4,165 unnamed defendants, IDed only by their IP addresses, that allegedly shared the Nu Image film “The Mechanic”. However, as Torrentfreak revealed, only 2% of the defendants in the case are apparently in the jurisdiction, setting up yet another possible battle on that front.

2: Court Orders Oracle and Google into Third Day of Settlement Talks

Next up today, the judge in the Oracle/Google case, which centers around alleged patent and copyright violations made by Google when implementing JAVA in its Android operating system, has ordered the two sides to spend another day attempting to negotiate a settlement. The judge is hoping that the two sides can resolve at least some of their issues in order to streamline the case, which has been set for a trial to begin October 31. The judge also wants Oracle to revisit some of its 21 patent claims in hopes that it will drop at least some.

3: Judge Dismisses Copyright Lawsuit Over Fox’s ‘Percy Jackson’ Franchise

Finally today, a judge has dismissed a case against 20th Century Fox and others behind the “Percy Jackson” series of films and novels. The suit, filed by Robyn and Tony DiTocco, who wrote a series of children books starting in 2002, claimed that the Percy Jackson films were based on their novels. The judge, however, said that the similarities were either elements already in the public domain, such as the lead character’s name “Percy”, which is based on the Greek hero Perseus, or otherwise did not rise to copyright infringement. It has not been announced is The DiTocco’s plan on appealing the ruling.

Suggestions

That’s it for the three count today. We will be back tomorrow with three more copyright links. If you have a link that you want to suggest a link for the column or have any proposals to make it better. Feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. I hope to hear from you.

Want the Full Story?

Tune in every Wednesday evening at 5 PM ET for the live recording of the Copyright 2.0 Show or wait and get the edited version Friday right here on Plagiarism Today.

The 3 Count Logo was created by Justin Goff and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License.

Have any suggestions for the 3 Count? Let me know via Twitter @plagiarismtoday.

1: Italy Prepares ‘one Strike’ Anti-piracy Law

First off today, several copyright groups are warning that a new law proposed in Italy could result in the banning of Internet users after just one allegation of copyright or other intellectual property infringement. The law, which is currently before committee, is backed by the party of Italy’s President and could require ISPs to blacklist alleged infringers and to install filtering applications to block infringing content. Reports also indicate that the law is on a fast track through the legislature though it’s still in the very early stages.

2: Oracle Says Damages in Android Dispute May Be $1.2 Billion

Next up today, Oracle has clarified the damages it’s seeking in its case against Google, saying that Google was wrong in its claim that they were seeking $2 billion and indicating instead the actual amount is $1.2 billion. According to Oracle, which sued Google over alleged copyright and patent violation of their JAVA language in Google’s Android operating system, Google’s liability is approximately $202 million in patent damages, $136 million in copyright damages and some $823.9 million in profits from copyright infringement. Settlement negotiations have been taking place between the companies but it is unclear if they will be continuing.

3: Usher Seeks To Avoid Trial By Jury For Copyright Lawsuit Over “Burn”

Finally today, lawyers for Usher, Jermaine Dupri, and Bryan-Michael Cox are making a final effort to avoid going to a jury trial over a lawsuit involving Usher’s 2004 single “Burn”. According to the plaintiff in the case, Ernest Lee Straughter, Usher’s song is based on the 1999 track “No More Pain”, which in turn is based on alleges that Usher’s 2004 #1 single “Burn” copies “No More Pain,” a 1999 song that is in turn based on Straughter’s “The Reasons Why.” Though Usher and his fellow defendants likely will prevail, they filed a motion disputing exposure to the song saying that, “The fact that the song had virtually no radio airplay forecloses any inference that it was widely disseminated, let alone remotely popular.”

Suggestions

That’s it for the three count today. We will be back tomorrow with three more copyright links. If you have a link that you want to suggest a link for the column or have any proposals to make it better. Feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. I hope to hear from you.

Want the Full Story?

Tune in every Wednesday evening at 5 PM ET for the live recording of the Copyright 2.0 Show or wait and get the edited version Friday right here on Plagiarism Today.

The 3 Count Logo was created by Justin Goff and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License.

It is Friday again and that means that it is time for another episode of the Copyright 2.0 Show.

It was a slammed week for copyright news and with Patrick back from his trip to the west coast we couldn’t waste a moment before diving on in to the news. We start out discussing the SAP/Oracle case, which saw criminal charges get filed and settled almost the same day, Hotfile pulls a bit of turnabout on Warner Brothers and the EU copyright extension that went through.

Then there was six more stories to go…

All in all, this is an episode you do not want to miss so fire up your MP3 players and give it a listen!

This week’s stories include:

• SAP Faces Criminal Charges, Settles Them Immediately
• Hotfile Sues Warner Brothers Over DMCA Abuse
• EU Extends Sound Recording Copyright from 50 to 70 Years
• Authors Guild Sues Several Universities
• Google Pressed to Block Pirate Sites
• Much, Much More!

You can download the MP3 file here (direct download). Those interested in subscribing to the show can do so via this feed.

Show Notes

About the Hosts

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey (@plagiarismtoday) is the Webmaster and author of Plagiarism Today (Hint: You’re there now) and works as a copyright and plagiarism consultant. Though not an attorney, he has resolved over 700 cases of plagiarism involving his own work and has helped countless others protect their work and develop strategies for making their content work as hard as possible toward their goals.

Patrick O’Keefe

Patrick O’Keefe (@iFroggy) is the owner of the iFroggy Network, a network of websites covering various interests. He’s the author of the book “Managing Online Forums,” a practical guide to managing online communities and social spaces. He maintains a blog about online community management at ManagingCommunities.com and a personal blog at patrickokeefe.com.

Have any suggestions for the 3 Count? Let me know via Twitter @plagiarismtoday.

1: Google Won’t Face Some Oracle Copyright Claims, Judge Rules

First off today, Google won at least a small victory in its ongoing copyright case against Oracle as the judge ruled that some of the items Oracle was suing over were not protected by copyright. The case centers around the JAVA language, which Oracle acquired when it purchased Sun Microsystems and is used by Google in its Android operating system for mobile devices. According to the judge, some of the elements Oracle is claiming were infringed do not qualify for copyright protection, including 12 lines of code and 37 “specifications” for programming interfaces. Google must face claims on other materials.

2: Harlan Ellison Sues Claiming Fox’s ‘In Time’ Rips Off Sci-Fi Story

Science fiction author Harlan Ellison is suing New Regency and director Andrew Niccol over the upcoming film “In Time”, which he claims is an infringement of his 1965 book, “Repent, Harlequin! Said The Ticktockman”. Ellison claims that the similarities are “obvious” and even references critics that have attended preview screenings and thought that the movie was based on the book. Ellison is seeking an injunction against the film as well as other damages.

3: HathiTrust Suspends Its Orphan Works Release

Finally today, HathiTrust, the trust set up by over 50 colleges and universities to share copies of digially-scanned books, has put on hold their plans to make available some 140 “orphan works” where the copyright holder can not be identified. This move follows a lawsuit by the Author’s Guild and other organizations against the trust as well as many of its universities. The Author’s Guild had noted that some of the works on the list appeared to be under copyright due to various quirks in the copyright system.

Suggestions

That’s it for the three count today. We will be back tomorrow with three more copyright links. If you have a link that you want to suggest a link for the column or have any proposals to make it better. Feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. I hope to hear from you.

Want the Full Story?

Tune in every Wednesday evening at 5 PM ET for the live recording of the Copyright 2.0 Show or wait and get the edited version Friday right here on Plagiarism Today.

The 3 Count Logo was created by Justin Goff and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License.

It is Friday again and that means that it is time for another episode of the Copyright 2.0 Show.

With the holiday weekend in the U.S., it was a slow week for copyright news but it was still an important week as the largest verdict in copyright history was set aside, we get the first measures of effectiveness from New Zealand’s “Three Strikes” law and the pirate party fights and loses its bid to prevent a copyright extension in the EU.

All in all, it may be a shorter show but it’s not one that you want to miss.

This week’s stories include:

• Oracle’s $1.3 Billion Verdict Reduced
• Three Strikes Law Brings About Slowdown in Pirate Traffic
• Pirate Party Fights, Loses Against Copyright Extension
• Google Touts Copyright Advances
• Bloomberg Must Defend Itself Against Swatch Over Analyst Call
• At Least One Aussie Phone Directory Not Protected by Copyright

You can download the MP3 file here (direct download). Those interested in subscribing to the show can do so via this feed.

Show Notes

About the Hosts

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey (@plagiarismtoday) is the Webmaster and author of Plagiarism Today (Hint: You’re there now) and works as a copyright and plagiarism consultant. Though not an attorney, he has resolved over 700 cases of plagiarism involving his own work and has helped countless others protect their work and develop strategies for making their content work as hard as possible toward their goals.

Patrick O’Keefe

Patrick O’Keefe (@iFroggy) is the owner of the iFroggy Network, a network of websites covering various interests. He’s the author of the book “Managing Online Forums,” a practical guide to managing online communities and social spaces. He maintains a blog about online community management at ManagingCommunities.com and a personal blog at patrickokeefe.com.

Have any suggestions for the 3 Count? Let me know via Twitter @plagiarismtoday.

1: SAP to Settle Copyright Abuse Charges by Oracle

First off today, SAP has agreed to plead guilty to criminal charges related to its ongoing dispute with Oracle. The issue centers around a now-shuttered SAP subsidiary, TomorrowNow, which Oracle accused of unlawfully downloading and distributing their software, a fact SAP has admitted to. Criminal charges in the matter were filed yesterday in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco but it appears that a plea deal has already been struck, though it will remain under seal pending court approval. The move also likely signals a plea deal in the separate civil case, which saw Oracle initially win a $1.3 billion award only to have that reduced to $272 million by the judge.

2: Copyright Bill Returns, but Top Court to Wade in Too

Next up today, Canada’s controversial C-32 bill is scheduled to make another return according to Heritage Minister James Moore, who says he hopes to pass the bill before Christmas, but there may be further delays as the Canadian Supreme Court is set to rule on a series of copyright cases that could change how the bill is interpreted. The bill, which is a far-reaching overhaul of Canadian copyright law, will likely be on hold pending the court’s rulings on the cases, including one asking whether teachers who make copies of textbooks for classrooms should be shielded from paying tariffs. Moore also says that the bill is contrary to what the U.S. has wanted, apparently trying to rebut criticism that the bill is primarily aimed at appeasing U.S. interests.

3: Pearl Jam’s Ten Club: Are They Eddie Vedder’s Copyright Police?

Finally today, when a reporter uploaded footage he took from a an Eddie Vedder solo performance, he was surprised to find that his video was taken down, not from a copyright complaint by Vedder, Pearl Jam or their label, but by The Ten Club, Pearl Jam’s official fan club. Vedder nor Pearl Jam has commented on the case, though it would be highly unusual to authorize a fan club like that to file takedown notices as the notices have to come from an authorized agent to be valid. If this is the case, it could represent a new strategy among musicians to seek out and remove unwanted YouTube clips.

Suggestions

That’s it for the three count today. We will be back tomorrow with three more copyright links. If you have a link that you want to suggest a link for the column or have any proposals to make it better. Feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. I hope to hear from you.

Want the Full Story?

Tune in every Wednesday evening at 5 PM ET for the live recording of the Copyright 2.0 Show or wait and get the edited version Friday right here on Plagiarism Today.

The 3 Count Logo was created by Justin Goff and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License.