Intellectual Property Law

Chapter 15 Discussion Questions

1. Nick purchased a copy of a video game that was protected against further
copying. Nick has discovered a method of disabling this measure, and he has
begun making numerous copies of the game so he can sell it online. Has Nick
violated any laws? Discuss.

2. After Sarah broke up with Mark, Mark posted some provocative pictures of Sarah
on the Internet. Sarah had taken the pictures of herself (“selfies”) using her iPhone
and then texted the pictures to Mark. Have any copyright laws been violated?
What might Sarah do to protect herself? Discuss.

3. Charlotte has been selling counterfeit music CDs on the Craig’s List Internet site.

a. When Craig’s List receives any notices that CDs offered for sale on its site
violate copyright rights, it promptly removes them. Discuss whether
Craig’s List has any liability for infringement.

b. Assume that the Craig’s List homepage prominently states, “Interested in
fake CDs? We’re here to help you buy and sell them, and we only take 5
percent of your sales price.” Discuss whether Craig’s List has any liability
for infringement.

4. The website LyricalNotes.com publishes lyrics of popular songs on its Internet
site. Have any copyright laws been violated? Discuss.

5. Discuss whether Dionne Warwick receives royalties for the following songs
played on Pandora. She is the singer but not the composer of the songs:

a. That’s What Friends Are For (1982)

b. Do You Know the Way to San Jose? (1968)

6. Madison used her iPhone to record a live Bruno Mars concert and stream it to her
friends. Have any copyright laws been violated? Discuss.

7. A mask work was sold on October 15, 2015. When must a copyright application
for the work be made for it to be protected?

8. Joelle has used her 3D printer to make a vase (for her personal use) that is in the
shape of Superman. Have any copyright laws been violated? Discuss.