A congressional committee has recommended that copyright matters, which are currently under the control of the Librarian of Congress, be ceeded to an independent agency. Publishers Weekly reports.
Publishers Weekly reports that the American Library Association is unhappy with the proposal to make the Copyright Office independent of the Library of Congress, saying the problem is not dependence, but lack of resources.
Despite questions about the need for an independent federal agency to oversee copyright, however, there is broad agreement, even among critics, that the Copyright Office needs a major update.
What, if anything, can someone do when their image is used in a way that don't like? Wired discusses a recent case which suggests the answer may be, not much.
Publishers Weekly explores the reasons why publishers, having gotten a decision favorale to their interests, are appealing it anyway.
In a surprise move, the publisher plaintiffs in the closely-watched Georgia State University copyright case have asked for a full (en banc) hearing by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, despite the fact that a three-judge panel handed them a victory last month when it unanimously reversed a 2012 district court verdict against them.
Open Road will not have to pay far more than it made from an ebook edition of Julie of the Wolves. On the other hand, HarperCollins' inclusive interpretation of an older contract was not cast aside either. Publishers Weekly has the story.
While ostensibly a copyright matter, the case was always more about e-book royalties. In court filings, it was revealed that HarperCollins had offered to do an e-book edition with George, but refused to budge from its standard 25% net royalty, which George, before her death in May 2012, deemed fundamentally unfair (Open Road pays a standard 50% e-book royalty).
Publishers Weekly reports that Authors United will send a letter to the DOJ asking that it look into Amazon's business practices. This is the third prong in AU's action against the major retailer, the first being an an ad in The New York Times, and the second a letter sent to Amazon's board members. So far Amazon has not shifted.
Origami Unicorn, news, reviews, essays; Catherine Mintz, a commentary on things of interest. Origami Unicorn is copyright 2006-22. Catherine Mintz is copyright 2006-22.
Time For an Independent Copyright Agency?
2016.12.09 in Commentary, Copyright, Publishing, Rights, Science fiction, fantasy, and horror, Writing | Permalink
Tags: congressional committee, copyright, digital age, media, Time For an Independent Copyright Agency?
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