3 Count: Unsettling News

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

1: Judge Rules Against Google Books Settlement

First off today, the judge in the Google Book Search case has ruled against the proposed settlement, saying that it is too far-reaching and that it’s opt out nature is unfair to competitors. Google had been sued by both publishers and the Author’s Guild over its effort to scan and make searchable millions of books. The two sides had reached a settlement, one where Google would be able to scan, display and even sell copies of in-copyright but out-of-print books in exchange for a share of revenue, but the judge has denied that settlement, saying that it might be more likely to succeed if it were “opt in” for authors rather than “opt out”, as it is currently structured. The two sides can now choose between modifying their settlement or appealing the judge’s ruling.

2: LSE Report Attacks Digital Economy Act Ahead of Review

Next up today, the London School of Economics and Political Science has posted a report of the UK’s Digital Economy Act, slamming the legislation saying that it “gets the balance between copyright enforcement and innovation wrong” and that it would harm future innovation for content industries. The report comes as the act is heading toward a judicial review at the behest of two of the UK’s biggest ISPs. The controversial act lays a framework of enforcement for those who are suspected of unlawful file sharing and could result in repeat infringers having their Internet access cut.

3: Cole Track Embroiled In Copyright Dispute

Finally today, British pop star Cheryl Cole, as well as the various labels representing her, are defending her song “Fight For Love” against allegations of plagiarism. Publishers Wardlaw Banks and Peermusic claim that the 2009 hit was lifted from the 2001 song “I Want You Back” composed by Kevin Hughes, Simon Chapman and Wayne Wilkins, the latter of whom also has a writing credit on the “Fight For Love” track but doesn’t recall working on the earlier song.

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.

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