Internet and Web Law
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Resources on Copyright and Trademark Issues for the Web
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Internet and Copyright Law
Lee Creek
The need for copyright protection has long been apparent. As the
Internet has became more prevalent, the need for copyright
protection there has also become a necessity. This article covers
the basics of copyright law and the Internet.
The Cyberspace Law Institute
The Cyberspace Law Institute studies, and helps to develop, the
new forms of law and law-making required by the growth of global
communications networks and online communities. We believe,
fundamentally, that thorough and open-minded discussion of the
new issues posed by the growth of the global network can make a
significant contribution to the continued orderly settlement of
this new territory. The CLI will gather together, under one
(virtual) roof, leading thinkers on the legal issues emerging in
this new environment of computer-mediated communications. Its
goal is to foster focused consideration of "real world" questions
regarding the law of the Net, concrete proposals for the adoption
of specific rules to resolve existing conflicts (and, where
appropriate, the mechanisms pursuant to which such rules can be
adopted).
U.S. Copyright Office
This site provides access to the entire U.S. Copyright Office.
Here is complete copyright information, filing information,
forms, legal briefs and much, much more.
10 Big Myths about copyright explained
An attempt to answer common myths about copyright seen on the Net
and cover issues related to copyright and USENET/Internet
publication.
The Copyright Website
This site endeavors to provide real world, practical and relevant
copyright information of interest to infonauts, netsurfers, webspinners,
content providers, musicians, appropriationists, activists, infringers,
outlaws, and law abiding citizens. Launched on May Day 95, this site
seeks to encourage discourse and invite solutions to the myriad of
copyright tangles that currently permeate the Web; The Copyright
Website strives to lubricate the machinations of information delivery.
Web Law FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions relating to the World Wide
Web, answered by
Oppedahl & Larson. Also noteworthy, are Carl Oppedahl's
articles on Internet domain names, such as
Remedies in Domain Name
Lawsuits: How is a domain name like a cow?, published in
this issue of
The John Marshall Journal Of Computer & Information Law.
Copyright on the Internet
Thomas G. Field, Jr.
Copyright encourages the creative efforts of authors, artists and
others by securing the exclusive right to reproduce works and
derive income from them. Copyright arises automatically as soon
as some aspect of a protectable work has been fixed in a tangible
medium (such as an Internet server). Notice is not required;
registration is required only if legal action is warranted and
the work originates in the U.S. (Apologies to those abroad, but
this is hereafter presumed.) However, giving notice (such as at
the bottom of this page) and promptly registering works provide
legal advantages. Those advantages are explained in this article,
along with basic limits to copyright protection. This discussion
focuses on copyright issues most apt to concern those who post to
or own email lists or those who have put up Web pages — as
well as to those who might want to use another's e-mail posting
or to copy material from another Web page.
Copyright in Software
Thomas G. Field, Jr.
Copyright encourages the creative efforts of authors, artists,
and others by securing the exclusive right to reproduce works and
derive income from them. The fact that graphics and text appear
on a computer screen or that written material is intended to
control the operation of computer hardware, at least in the U.S.,
no longer casts doubt on its being proper copyright subject
matter. Copyright arises automatically once an original effort
has been started and some aspect of it has been fixed in a
tangible medium. One need not even have notice on published
copies. Registration is required only if legal action is
warranted (and the work originates in the U.S. — something
hereafter presumed in this discussion). However, giving notice
and promptly registering works provide significant advantages in
the U.S. Those advantages are explained in this article, along
with basic limits to copyright protection, issues to be
considered in transferring copyright interests, and the
fundamental distinction between works that are and are not "for
hire."
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