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German Court Sets Copyright Tax on New PCs

Posted by michael on from the since-you're-paying-already,-might-as-well-fire-up-kazaa dept.

graemee pastes: "The District Court of Munich has ordered Fujitsu Siemens Computers to pay a copyright levy on new PCs. The landmark decision, announced on Thursday, ends a nearly two-year dispute between the largely Germany-based computer maker and the country's VG Wort rights society, which has sought compensation for digital copying. VG Wort had filed a suit against Germany's largest PC maker, Fujitsu Siemens, seeking 30 euro (US$41) for each new computer sold in the country. The court agreed to a 12 euro copyright levy."

3 of 428 comments (clear)

  1. Germany...SHH! by ral315 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Don't give Bush any ideas ;)

  2. SCO v Linux by AtomicSnarl · · Score: 2, Funny

    So... Will this replace my SCO Linux license, or do I need both? I'd really like to get my $699 back...

    --
    Pacifist paratroopers yell, "Ghandi!" when they jump.
  3. Re:May I be the first to... by TykeClone · · Score: 4, Funny
    The taxes were collected for the specific purpose of paying the copyright owners.

    Therefore, like all taxes collected for a specific purpose, they're going towards something else.

    --
    A fine is a tax you pay for doing wrong and a tax is a fine you pay for doing all right.