Many of the fine American institutions that prop up our society aren’t recognized in any founding documents, and those holding such office given far more regard than we hold for our actual elected officials. Among these exalted figures are the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest winner, the Batman actor of the moment, and of course the current singer of the theme tune to primetime football games.
Continue reading “Carrie Underwood Facing Copyright Lawsuit for Sunday Night Football Theme”
The peculiar invention of the celebrity has grown to hold a strange and uncomfortable place in our culture for both subject and audience alike. Much like the animals at the zoos we pack to see, we are both intrigued and horrified at the sight, aware of how unnatural the arrangement is and guilty at our own part in building those cages and the half-lives of those enclosed. That’s perhaps a bit melodramatic — no one has much sympathy for celebrities making more money than any of us could dream of, even as they’re the subject of constant hounding by the paparazzi, though perhaps we should.
Continue reading “Gigi Hadid Challenges Paparazzi Photo Ownership, and Copyright Law As Well”
The question of copyright in cases of addition and transformation of one artist’s work on the part another is a perpetually challenging question. Art, as we are frequently told, is subjective, and the extent to which changes must be made to an original work for it to be deemed an entirely new thing is again subjective. Certain cases make the matter clear, but in more subtle alterations, it falls to others to make the final determination as to whether something is in violation of a copyright, or is significantly different as to escape any such offense.
We have previously celebrated the new-ish advent of personal branding as it relates to celebrities big and small. Who are any of us to judge those who want to create a bigger identity for themselves, complete with signifiers? After all, celebrities are businesses unto themselves, and every business needs their own branding if they hope to grow and expand. We might not necessarily understand what these artists and entertainers have in mind with their choice in branding, but if we truly understood what goes into being a megastar, we’d probably be one ourselves, or at least close enough to one to bask in some reflected glory.
Continue reading “Cardi B Loses Bid to Trademark Catchphrase”
One thing about technological change is that it forces many of our old, dated institutions to update and adapt or risk becoming irrelevant. The internet and the attendant changes it has brought has been particularly effective in highlighting the cracks in the facade, the holes in the boat, or any other metaphor you might choose to illustrate the shortcomings in many of the laws and bodies that govern us when it comes to an era where the physical has given way to digital.
Continue reading “Mechanical Licensing Collective Chosen by USCO to Manage Digital Music Royalties”
The problem of copyright online has long been a vexing issue for all parties involved in trying to tackle it to the ground. Social media companies can seem to lurch from indifference to hamfisted attempts to solve problems that inevitably create different problems, with seemingly no middle ground.
Continue reading “YouTube Brings Changes to its Copyright Infringement Reporting”
The question of how much the government remains a body comprised of and belonging to the people it governs, or to what extent it exists as an entity now wholly separate, is a pressing matter, but one too big for the purview of this particular blog. That broader question does beg itself in the copyright case that is heading to the Supreme Court, however, in addition to the more immediate concerns that will be addressed in the decision.
Continue reading “Supreme Court to Hear Case on Copyright for State Laws”
For those closely following the news, one reality show star continues to dominate headlines. The star’s behavior invokes questions of ego and avarice, and decisions made demonstrate a lack of sensitivity, both cultural and interpersonal. Despite these personal failings, the star counts nearly as many ardent fans as avowed detractors, with a family that casts itself as American royalty, despite a discernible lack of skills or scruples.
Continue reading “Kimono Trademark Kerfuffle Draws the Attention of Japan”
The questions of good faith and intent can be hard to divine, and the line between earnest zeal and cynical gaming is a fine one. Lawyers are tasked with the vigorous defense of their clients’ interests, and no one would begrudge an attorney for taking on as many as they feel they can responsibly handle. But does that ambition, if it can be termed that, cross at a certain point into a ploy to extract as much money from a flawed system as possible? At what point do certain behaviors cross that line from proponent of the law to one who violates and exploits that which they’re meant to hold sacred?
Continue reading “Controversial Copyright Lawyer Faces Sanctions for Bad Behavior”
Finding a balance between accused and accuser in cases of intellectual property law has been one trick the U. S. legal system has yet to get quite right, although lawmakers and administrators continue the endeavor to find that elusive point that serves all involved equally. Too far one way, and you’re stifling the ability of rightsholders to take action to protect their IP; too far the other and you’re opening the floodgates for cases brought before the court, including those lacking any real validity. But a fear of making things worse has never stopped the United States government before, and it certainly won’t be deterred in this instance.
Continue reading “Congress Contemplates Calamitous Copyright Law”