In a decision interpreting the criminal offenses provision of the Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. '506), the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has held that a criminal conspiracy to pirate software did not constitute “fair use” simply because the Web site to access the software was operated by a university professor.
Internet Software Piracy Is Not Fair Use
In a decision interpreting the criminal offenses provision of the Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. '506), the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has held that a criminal conspiracy to pirate software did not constitute "fair use" simply because the Web site to access the software was operated by a university professor. <i>U.S. v. Slater</i>, 348 F.3d 666 (7th Cir. 2003). The Seventh Circuit found "preposterous" the defendant's argument that Internet piracy could become authorized under the fair use doctrine by using a professor as a Web site operator.
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Judith L. GrubnerThis premium content is locked for The Intellectual Property Strategist subscribers only
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