3 Count: Fast Movies

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

1:  New Copyright Lawsuit Targets Uploaders of 10-Minute Movie Edits

First off today, Andy Maxwell at Torrentfreak writes that, in Japan, a group of some thirteen movie companies have filed a lawsuit against a group of individuals and companies that make “fast movies”, or 10-minute versions of popular films.

The lawsuit includes all 13 members of the Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) and Japan Video Software Association (JVA). They are targeting a group of three individuals that they allege infringed their copyrights at least 54 times by making shortened versions of popular full-length films.

The three had previously entered guilty pleas in a criminal case related to the issue. They received suspended sentences and were ordered to pay fines. This represents a civil action against them, as the film companies seek damages on top of the criminal penalties.

2:  Copyright Infringement: Court Fixes May 25 to Hear Motion for Injunction Against Transcorp Hilton

Next up today, Onyewuchi Ojinnaka at The Niche reports that, in Nigeria, a court is set to rule on whether venue spaces, in this case a hotel, are obligated to pay royalties or otherwise obtain music licensing rights for any songs played in the venue.

The case pits the Audiovisual Rights Society Limited/Gte (AVRS) against Thanscorp Hilton, the hotel chain. According to the lawsuit, the hotel chain is responsible for communicating audiovisual works to the public without a license.

In addition to an injunction, the AVRS is also seeking some N 1 billion ($2.4 million) in damages for the alleged copyright infringements.

3: PokerPaint Copyright Thief Brett Butz Called Out as WSOP Beckons

Finally today, Andrew Burnett at PokerTuber reports that Brett Butz, the man behind the account PokerPaint, is back in the spotlight again due to allegations of copyright infringement.

Back in September 2017, Butz drew widespread criticism from the poker world for taking photographs of famous poker players and creating stylized paintings of them and selling some as NFTs. However, after an outcry from photographers, who said they were never asked nor gave permission, Butz agreed to stop.

However, now various users on Twitter report that he is back at it again, taking photographs from photographers and basing paintings off them. This time around, he has taken to blocking those that criticize him, including the author of the article, It is unknown how many works he has sold, NFT or otherwise.

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