"Digital Copyright and Innovation Online: A Little Dose of Optimism," a public lecture by Fred von Lohmann of the Electronic Frontier Foundation:

In his talk, Fred von Lohmann of the Electronic Frontier Foundation will provide an overview of emerging copyright rules and argue that Congress, the courts, and the marketplace have struck a balance that is proving surprisingly successful in protecting copyright incentives, stimulating innovation, and encouraging private ordering in the marketplace.

Tags: Content/IP

A number of court rulings have begun to create some clarity about the copyright rules that apply to Internet services that rely on “user generated content” (e.g., YouTube, Flickr, Blogger, Facebook, eBay). Those rules, founded on legislation passed by Congress in 1998, have made it possible for these online services to thrive. In response, members of the entertainment industry are howling about piracy and business model armageddon.

In his talk, Fred von Lohmann, Senior Staff Attorney, will provide an overview of the emerging copyright rules and argue that Congress, the courts, and the marketplace have struck a balance that is proving surprisingly successful in protecting copyright incentives, stimulating innovation, and encouraging private ordering in the marketplace.

Reception to follow.

Speaker Biography

Fred von Lohmann is a senior staff attorney with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, specializing in intellectual property matters. In that role, he has represented programmers, technology innovators, and individuals in a variety of copyright and trademark litigation, including MGM v. Grokster, decided by the Supreme Court in 2005. He is also involved in EFF’s efforts to educate policy-makers regarding the proper balance between intellectual property protection and the public interest in fair use, free expression, and innovation. Before joining EFF, Fred was a visiting researcher with the Berkeley Center for Law and Technology and an associate with the international law firm of Morrison & Foerster LLP. He has appeared on CNN, CNBC, ABC’s Good Morning America, and Fox News O’Reilly Factor and has been widely quoted in a variety of national publications. Fred has an A.B. from Stanford University and a J.D. from Stanford Law School.


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