Some quotes on DRM, vidding, technology, and people's understanding of copyright law

[unjapanologist]

Rebecca Tushnet has posted a transcript of a hearing on the DMCA exemption that allows makers of non-commercial remix videos like vids and AMVs to circumvent the DRM on DVDs (something that's technically illegal) so they can create quality works with no more hassle than necessary. Along with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, The OTW was one of

Comments

[dracomaleficium]

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. It was a fascinating read, especially as any serious discussion of this sort has yet to be undertaken here in Poland. We are so behind when it comes to transformative works and the legal issues surrounding it it's painful (basically the Polish have yet to acknowledge them as legitimate art and not just something geeky teenagers do when they're bored). So I was really thrilled to hear this matter is being addressed by lawyers and that steps are taken to protect vidders. Perhaps with time it will happen here in my country too.

[unjapanologist]

Well, I think most people in any country anywhere aren't aware of any legal issues surrounding transformative works. Definitely not in Belgium, and going by the "ewwww" reactions that a lot of US media seem to have towards fic, not over there either. The ones with some awareness are either fans or legal scholars.

But it is heartening that with the ACTA protests and the rise of Pirate Parties in the EU, intellectual property issues are slowly appearing on the radar of more and more people. Let's hope the momentum will last.