Tag Archives: lca

“Unlocking Technology,” Common Sense Legislation

Last week, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) introduced the Unlocking Technology Act, H.R. 1892, copyright legislation that would allow consumers to circumvent digital rights management on smart phones, e-readers, DVDs, and other digital products for non-infringing purposes.

As one who has prepared for and attended the Copyright Office’s triennial 1201 rulemaking proceedings for the past 14 years, all I can say is “hallelujah.” The Library Copyright Alliance (LCA), of which ALA is a member, posted this statement (pdf) in response to the announcement.

About Carrie Russell

Carrie Russell is the director for OITP's Program on Public Access to Information. Since 1999, Carrie has developed copyright education programs and related services to help ALA members understand the latest trends regarding copyright law and its impact on libraries.

LCA Files Brief on Behalf of Georgia State

Library Copyright Alliance

The Library Copyright Alliance (LCA) has filed an amicus brief (pdf) in support of Georgia State University in the appeal of Cambridge U. Press et al. v. Mark P. Becker et al. In its brief (pdf), LCA argues that GSU’s e-reserves policy represents the widespread and well-established best practices of fair use that includes limitations to ensure that the use of course materials is fair.  The case will be heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.

The case began in 2008 when Cambridge, Oxford University Press, and SAGE Publishers sued Georgia State University (GSU) for copyright infringement. The publishers argued that GSU’s use of copyright-protected materials in course e-reserves without a license was a violation of the copyright law. Notably, the Association of American Publishers and the Copyright Clearance Center, the for-profit licensing arm for much of the academic publishing community, continue to finance the legal action. Continue reading

About

Ted Wegner is the Grassroots Coordinator for ALA Washington Office's Office of Government Relations (OGR).