Crime and Punishment: Are Copyright Violators Ever Penalized?

N

1

Copyrights; Court Litigation; Schools; Compliance (Legal)

0362-8930

Is there a Web site that keeps track of copyright Infringers and fines? Some colleagues don't believe that copyright violators are ever penalized. This question was asked by a reader in a question and answer column of "School Library Journal". Carrie Russell is the American Library Association's copyright specialist, and she will answer selected questions from readers. Her answer to this question is to the best of her knowledge, there aren't any schools, libraries, teachers, or librarians that have been sued for copyright infringement. She knows it sounds astounding, but other than the example cited in this article, she doesn't know of any library- or school-related court cases. On the other hand, she has heard that schools and libraries have received "cease and desist" letters from copyright holders who have threatened litigation. Schools and libraries can avoid litigation by settling out of court, but since there's no public record of those settlements, she says she really doesn't have any idea how often that occurs.

ERIC

2005

EJ700708