Media Law Prof Blog

Google To White House: No Take-Down For Controversial Video

From the New York Times: Google has announced that, consistent with its current policy, it will allow a controversial video available on Google-owned YouTube even though that video is apparently the cause of violent protests across the Mid-East. The White House has asked the company to remove the video from YouTube. Spokespersons for Google say the position is consistent with Google's 2007 policy on the presence of controversial content on their websites. Google has blocked access to the video in some countries to accommodate national laws.

Mid East Violence Continues, Increases, In Reaction to Film Trailer

Anger and violence are spreading rapidly throughout the Mideast at least partly in reaction to a film trailer produced by a shadowy figure who goes by the name "Sam Basile," even as various governments act to protect U.S. Embassies in those countries after the deaths of four U.S. diplomats, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens. While Google has not removed the video from YouTube, it has tried to help defuse the situation by blocking access to the trailer in Libya and Egypt. Meanwhile, embassies of other Western nations have come under attack as well.

Update: Royals Announce Lawsuit Against Magazine Over Photos

From the BBC: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are beginning legal action for invasion of privacy against the French edition of Closer magazine, because of its publication of photographs picturing the Duchess topless during a recent short holiday at the home of the Duke's cousin. Word comes from Clarence House, home of the Duke's father, the Prince of Wales. Closer denies that publication of the photos constitutes an invasion of privacy, insisting that the couple was "visible from the street."

French Mag Publishes "Topless" Photos; Says They're of Duchess of Cambridge; Royal Couple Alleges Invasion of Privacy

The French edition of Closer magazine has published blurry photos of what the mag claims are pix of the Duchess of Cambridge, about to go topless, which a photographer took with an extreme telephoto lens while she was on holiday with her husband at the home of a cousin in France. Spokespersons for Royal Family have issued a statement indicating its outrage over the publication of the pix. Reports suggest that the couple may be looking into legal action against Closer, alleging it has invaded their privacy. Closer has responded that the photos are not shocking, but show a normal and  beautiful young couple in love, on vacation. More here from BBC News.

ABC Hit WIth Defamation Suit Over "Pink Slime" Reporting

Beef Products, Inc., of South Dakota, is suing ABC over the network's reports concerning "pink slime," the ground beef additive that has gotten a wealth of bad publicity over the past few months. The company alleges that the resulting stories have been "false and defamatory," and thus injurious to Beef Products; the company is claiming $1.2 billion in damages. It has also named three reporters, including Diane Sawyer, as defendants. ABC has responded that the allegations are "without merit. More here from NPR, CNN.

 

 

LVMH CEO Says He Will Sue Newspaper Over Headline

Bernard Arnault, the CEO of LVMH, says he will sue the newspaper Liberation after it published the headline "Casse-toi riche con!" (Get lost, rich jerk!") which accompanied an article discussing his decision to apply for Belgian nationality. More here from the paper itself (in French). Critics of Mr. Arnault's decision suggest he made it to avoid paying the 75 percent tax on high wage-earners that French President Francois Hollande plans to try to impose. Mr. Arnault is worth around 41 billion dollars.

 

 

The Law Professor As Artist

Margaret Chon, Seattle University School of Law, has published Law Professor as Artist: Themes and Variations in Keith Aoki's Intellectual Property Scholarship in volume 90 of the Oregon Law Review (2012).

This memorial tribute to the late Keith Aoki traces the impact of his intellectual property scholarship, particularly in the area of genetic resources.

Download the article from SSRN at the link.