Topics

1

P2P/BitTorrent Lawsuits Forum / File Sharing! Think Twice..

« on: October 19, 2012, 09:28:17 AM »

This is an interesting article for those that download files from sites like BitTorrent.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/18/tech/web/copyright-alert-system/index.html?hpt=us_c2

2

Getty Images Letter Forum / GODADDY Shut Down By Anonymous

« on: September 10, 2012, 03:55:19 PM »

Thought I would share the news with you guys about Godaddy!  It appears they have been hacked!  No sites hosted by them are up, and email accounts are dead in the water.

Bekka

3

Getty Images Letter Forum / Is the copyright law constitutional?

« on: May 01, 2012, 12:59:39 PM »

I wonder how the SCOTUS would rule on the part of the law that says only the "end user" is accountable?  Does this not open up several questions?  For instance, your ability to enter into contract with a business without worrying they are performing illegal acts which you will be held liable for.  If this continues to hold up in court, then what about other services or employees you hire that do illegal acts without your knowledge?  Are we to be held liable for their acts as well?  The very basis of society is based on free trade and free enterprise, which this law limits severely. The potential fallout and references to other situations are waiting to explode down the road if this stands.  I really think that this "end user" part of the copyright law is questionable and should be brought before the courts in order to determine just who is liable and who isn't, when you as a customer, are paying for work contracted through a "supposedly" legitimate business.

Just thinking out loud.....

4

Legal Controversies Forum / HR3523

« on: March 22, 2012, 07:34:52 PM »

HR3523, the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act of 2011, by Rep. Mike J. Rogers, R-Mich

It seems that this bill will allow companies to spy on users and share private information with the government and other companies and be completely exempt from all laws.

What is wrong with our Congress?  Will they never learn?  Time to send all the incumbents home!

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/03/21/3116154/proposed-cyber-snooping-bill-too.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy

5

Getty Images Letter Forum / The Internet Fight Song

« on: February 04, 2012, 09:22:12 PM »

This is for all my friends here on ELI.  If a few 4 letter words offend you, then do not click the link below.  I couldn't help but think of Soylent Green when I was watching this, so I am dedicating this to him/her.  Oh and they the group asks us to share it, so there should not be any infringement issues...



Emjoy,
Bekka

6

Getty Images Letter Forum / Masterfile starts it round of 2012 Lawsuits

« on: January 14, 2012, 05:31:12 PM »

http://dockets.justia.com/docket/idaho/iddce/1:2012cv00012/29042/

I hope these people fight.  It looks like this might be a veternian clinic.

7

Legal Controversies Forum / Newspapers Call Politicians' Bluff Over Ads That Use Their Pictures

« on: January 09, 2012, 08:24:38 PM »

Politicians suing over their pictures..... these lawsuits are out of control.   We will have to build courts just for IP lawsuits if something isn't changed soon.

http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/01/09/42863.htm

8

Legal Controversies Forum / The Little Guy Wins!

« on: December 25, 2011, 09:11:20 PM »

I realize this is not about images, but it is about patents and a big company going after small farmers.  The circumstances of useage regarding their patented product is pretty much accidental like most cases here, and Monsanto sees big money to be made.  While part of the ruling in this case remains questionable for future precedents, it is indeed nice to see David win against Goliath.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/12/25/percy-schmeiser-farmer-who-beat-monsanto.aspx?e_cid=20111225_SNL_Art_1

I hope we will see more victories where the little guy prevails!

Merry Christmas.
Bekka

9

Getty Images Letter Forum / Make Your Voice Heard!

« on: September 28, 2011, 08:42:51 PM »

This will be my last appeal to the people on this board.  Most of you come here seeking information because you have been on the receiving end of a "demand letter."  This forum contains lots of information for those that come here in shock and disbelief.  While the letters you received are perfectly legal under the current US laws, that doesn't mean that it is ethical or right that the law is being abused by the stock photo industry to make a very profitable stream of income at the little guy's expense, especially in our current economic climate.  While I believe that the photographer is entitled to compensation for his/her work, there should be exceptions for "innocent infringers," even if it means a reasonable flat fee along with a "cease and desist" letter.  However, the amounts demanded in these claim letters are outrageous and this is the issue at hand that needs to be addressed.

We may not have the money or the access to our congressional leaders like the lobbyists do, but that doesn't mean that there is not strength and power in numbers.  The mainstream media will not take on this issue, so the only way to get attention is to make this issue public.  We have a chance to do that on the White House's own website.  Once publicly displayed there, other people affected or not by this issue will have access to this information and can protect themselves and jump on our bandwagon to demand change.  I am not so naive to believe that this one petition or any recognition from it will make a change immediately, but it will bring it to the public's attention and the political leaders will be made aware of it as well.  It will only take 150 signatures to get it on public display, so even if we don't get the 5000 signatures needed to guarantee a fair look at the issue and a response, at least it will be a known issue.

So don't be afraid to stand up and be counted. I have an open case going on right now and I am not afraid to put my name out there or tell the stock photo company in question how I feel.  So stand up and be counted.  Sign it today.  Then have your friends and family sign it as well.  Remember, if we do nothing, then nothing will happen, but if we take action then there will be a reaction.

Here is the link:
 
http://wh.gov/gJu

Thanks,
Bekka

10

Getty Images Letter Forum / Copyright laws and the Constitution

« on: September 12, 2011, 04:05:36 PM »

I would be very curious if the "end user" part of the copyright law is actually constitutional.  How can the law justify making someone pay for another persons mistake or crime?  I am not naive and know that there are many innocent people in prison today, because the justice system failed them.  What was Congress thinking when they put this provision in the copyright law?  If I hire someone to cut my grass and he blows grass in my neighbor's driveway and they argue, the lawn mower guy kills him, runs off to another country never to be heard from again, am I responsible?  I know that this is an outrageous analogy, but would this concept begin to spill over into other aspects of doing business? I think it sets a very bad precedence and one could argue that it would begin break down the business model in America and possibly on a global scale. If more and more people and businesses are being held responsible for the actions of the businesses and people they hire to do work for them, then commerce will soon come to grinding halt.

Just my thoughts on the matter!

11

Getty Images Letter Forum / Muensch case

« on: August 10, 2011, 09:29:05 AM »

Could someone clear up a few questions I have about this case?  I read Oscar's article and from that I gather that when the images were registered the company listed one author and then "numerous others."  When Masterfile sent me the info I requested they registered 33000 images in a compilation and had 3 pages of authors names attached.  I don't really know if the image in question is in there since I can't see it, but their catalogue number is in one of the 33000.  So my question:  Since they listed 3 pages of authors, does the Muensch Case apply in this situation?  Also, is there a way to access that image from the US Copyright Office online?

12

Getty Images Letter Forum / Will the US follow suit?

« on: August 07, 2011, 10:57:43 AM »

I think we should continue to bombard our elected officials daily with stories of copyright trolling.  Look what has happened in the UK!  We should be demanding our representatives stand up for the "innocent infringer" hurt by third party web designers or even perhaps pictures on sites used as bait.


http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20110803/02192515373/uk-copyright-trolling-pioneers-sanctioned-actions.shtml