On 18 Jan 2001, at 2:32, WKato@xxxxxxx wrote:
> > Ditto.com wins image copyright case
> > Ruling may have sweeping implications for search engines
> > By Elliot Zaret <mailto:elliot.zaret@xxxxxxxxx> MSNBC
Interesting reading, but (of course) only applicable in the States. Some
thoughts (non-legal cuz I'm not an attorney) come to mind:
1. I think I agree that thumbnails are "fair game" because IMHO their
size and resolution makes them pretty useless except as "buttons" for
navigational purposes. (That's assuming, of course, that the word
"thumbnail" *isn't* defined as 8"x10") :-)
2. The point of the discussion, though, wasn't the taking of thumbnails
but, rather, of displaying the actual images "stripped" of any copyright
notice contained on the original pages! That has the effect of giving the
viewer the incorrect impression that the original images are free for the
taking, whether or not the individual actually has intent to steal.
3. I wouldn't have many concerns if the links to which the thumbnails
point are the original pages on the owner's site. That way, the person
navigating via the thumbnails would see the copyright notices, if any.
That of course, does NOT keep the viewer from stealing the images, but
I guess the answer to preventing image theft on the Internet is to NOT
post images to the Net.)
4. I agree with another listmember(who was that masked man!?!?! <G>)
who noted it would be interesting to know what international intellectual
property right laws have to say on this topic, if anything.
Any lawyers amongst us with international law experience??? :-)
Regards,
Chris
---
I'm *not* a Zuikoholic.... I'm a Zuikohobbiest!
Chris O'Neill (coneill@xxxxxxxxxxx)
http://www.nucleus.com/~coneill
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