For a change of pace (and because today was very busy), I thought I would suggest that if you get a chance, you should read the CNN article by Sunny Hostin entitled "Harry Potter case brings the law into the Internet Age." I have to admit that I have never read a Harry Potter novel, which makes me a member of a very small group of people. Anyway, this case revolves around the creation of a Harry Potter website which was then published as a lexicon. Harry Potter’s creator, J.K. Rowling, is suing to stop the publication. Lawyers are split over the legal issues of the case and many analysts feel that this will be an important case for setting precedent. As the article states:
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"Most likely, the law simply hasn’t caught up with the Internet. The Copyright Act of 1976, enacted way before the advent of the Internet and the fan-based Web sites, bestows copyright owners with control of their creative work. A copyright is supposed to protect its owner, and thus, only the author can authorize others to reproduce the work. But that right is not unfettered, as many think. One of the more important limitations is the doctrine of "’fair use’."
RSM
Ancient History Ramblings 