3 Count: Policed Police

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1: Protect IP Act Will Cost Taxpayers $47M

First off today, a report by the Congressional Budget Office found that the proposed PROTECT IP Act, which will require the blocking of certain “pirate” websites, will cost the government some $47 million through 2016 if it is enacted. The act is on hold due to a block placed by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR). The estimated cost only covers government expenses and does not factor in ISP or other infrastructure costs.

2: Widow Sues Label Over Funk Brothers’ Copyright

Next up today, the widow of Funk Brothers pianist Earl Van Dyke, Millicent Van Dyke, has sued the band’s label, EMI, to have the copyrights restored to the family. According to Van Dyke, the copyrights should have reverted to his estate upon his death but the label illegally appointed themselves as the agent and continued to exploit his works. Earl Van Dyke wrote many of the band’s songs as well as performed them, potentially giving his estate a great deal of control over the works.

3: NSW Police in Row Over Copyright Charges

Finally today, in Australia, the NSW Police is in a copyright battle with software maker Micro Focus, which has filed suit against the police department in a local court. According to the company, the NSW Police force made additional copies of its mainframe software, ViewNow, and distributed them through the force and to related organizations. The complaint alleges that the NSW Police had a license to use 6,500 copies of the application but created some 16,000 installs. The NSW Police, however, has stated they had a site license that enabled them to use the software on as many machines as needed. The court has requested an independent expert look at the machines involved to see how may installations may be involved.

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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