Features

<b><i>Online Extra</b></i><br>Free Online Access to Georgia's Legal Code Violates Copyright, Judge Says
One day after a federal judge in Atlanta ruled that the state of Georgia may copyright its official legal code and pursue infringers, a California public records activist who had made Georgia's code available for free to the general public began work on an appeal.
Features

Pre-1972 Recordings Case Against Sirius In GA Hits Spotlight
A few days before the Second Circuit published its decision ordering the dismissal of Flo & Eddie's closely watched class-action lawsuit against Sirius XM Radio over the use by the satellite provider of pre-1972 sound recordings, the Georgia Supreme Court heard arguments in a class action case against iHeartMedia over its use of pre-1972 sound recordings.
Features

New York Court Sees No Fair Use in <i>Star-Trek</i> Inspired Fan Film
The creative story-telling that fueled the passion of fans inspired a number of them to expand the Star Trek universe on their own through "fan films," which can challenge the property owners' efforts to maintain the integrity and appeal of their franchise. If unchecked, unauthorized derivatives could lead to an eventual loss of the copyright and trademark rights that underlie the value of the property.
Features

Paul McCartney's Suit over Songs' Recapture Rights
Paul McCartney has long wanted to reclaim ownership of his share of the copyrights to "Love Me Do," "Ticket to Ride" and numerous other Beatles hits he co-wrote with John Lennon. But the unfavorable December 2016 decision by a British judge in a copyright termination dispute involving the 1980's hitmakers Duran Duran raised some doubts — at least in the minds of Sony/ATV Music Publishing and its counsel — about whether the U.S. copyright law rights can supersede valid contracts assigning away musical rights and also prevent Paul McCartney from exercising his termination rights.
Features

Copyright Challenge to 'We Shall Overcome' Proceeds
As 2017 commences, political protest against injustice is as relevant as ever in the United States. At the same time, a lawsuit concerning the copyright rights to the powerful anthem We Shall Overcome may proceed to trial. In November 2016, the case survived a motion to dismiss the copyright infringement claims.
Features

Copyright Office Updates Takedown Notice Agent Registration
The Copyright Office has mandated a new procedure for how online service providers — including websites, hosting companies, mobile app publishers and other online services that permit user-generated content — must designate an agent to receive notifications of claimed infringement under the DMCA.
Features

<i>Decision of Note</i><br>NY Apps. Court Says Pre-'72 Recordings Have No Public Performance Right
No common law right of public performance exists in New York state to compel Sirius XM Radio to pay fees for the use of pre-Feb. 15, 1972 sound recordings by popular artists such as The Turtles, the state's highest court ruled in <i>Flo & Eddie Inc. v. Sirius XM Radio Inc.</i>
Features

Movie Filtering Company Is Told To Shut Down
A start-up that provides a technology that filters movies for profanity, violence and other objectionable content has vowed to take a copyright battle against Hollywood all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court after a federal judge granted an injunction blocking its service.
Features

Why the DMCA Needs to Be Modernized
It has been 18 years since the DMCA was signed into law. It was created to balance the security and rights of copyright holders with the growing influence of digital communications. But today it is facing serious criticism about its usefulness from every key stakeholder — creators, distributors and consumers alike.
Features

Recent Disputes over Copyright Licenses
This article discusses disputes involving the use of copyrighted works or intellectual property underlying that work, under a license, or in one case, under an implied license. The parties thereto are not nearly as well-known, but the legal conclusions reached may have farther reaching implications.
Need Help?
- Prefer an IP authenticated environment? Request a transition or call 800-756-8993.
- Need other assistance? email Customer Service or call 1-877-256-2472.
MOST POPULAR STORIES
- Bonus Content: How Emerging Technologies Are Impacting IP: A Chat With Legalweek Speaker Ryan PhelanIn advance of Legalweek '25, a Q&A with conference speaker Ryan Phelan, a partner at Marshall, Gerstein & Borun and founder and moderator of legal blog PatentNext, to discuss how courts and jurisdictions are handling novel technologies, the copyrightability of AI-assisted art, and more.Read More ›
- Overview of Regulatory Guidance Governing the Use of AI Systems In the WorkplaceBusinesses have long embraced the use of computer technology in the workplace as a means of improving efficiency and productivity of their operations. In recent years, businesses have incorporated artificial intelligence and other automated and algorithmic technologies into their computer systems. This article provides an overview of the federal regulatory guidance and the state and local rules in place so far and suggests ways in which employers may wish to address these developments with policies and practices to reduce legal risk.Read More ›
- Is Google Search Dead? How AI Is Reshaping Search and SEOThis two-part article dives into the massive shifts AI is bringing to Google Search and SEO and why traditional searches are no longer part of the solution for marketers. It’s not theoretical, it’s happening, and firms that adapt will come out ahead.Read More ›
- While Federal Legislation Flounders, State Privacy Laws for Children and Teens Gain MomentumFor decades, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act has been the only law to expressly address privacy for minors’ information other than student data. In the absence of more robust federal requirements, states are stepping in to regulate not only the processing of all minors’ data, but also online platforms used by teens and children.Read More ›
- Revolutionizing Workplace Design: A Perspective from Gray ReedIn an era where the workplace is constantly evolving, law firms face unique challenges and opportunities in facilities management, real estate, and design. Across the industry, firms are reevaluating their office spaces to adapt to hybrid work models, prioritize collaboration, and enhance employee experience. Trends such as flexible seating, technology-driven planning, and the creation of multifunctional spaces are shaping the future of law firm offices.Read More ›