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Lessig Defends Free Culture in Keynote
lisah writes "Professor Larry Lessig, a keynote speaker at this week's Linux World Expo, took issue with current copyright laws and their effect on a free read-write culture. Lessig says that, by today's standards, the simple act of creating a video mashup renders its creator a 'pirate' and argued for sweeping changes that would embrace a fair use culture. Lessig asked the audience to consider sharing works under a Creative Commons license and redirect money they would spend on restricted content to organizations that support a fair use and free culture. He says that opponents of a free read-write culture have strong financial and political backing so unified community support is crucial. 'If the debate is controlled by lawyers and lobbyists...," says Lessig, 'this debate will be lost.'"
"Of course there's nothing to stop those 13 year olds from acting in terrible harry potter fan made films either"
Except copyright law itself. The derivative works part of copyright keeps that from happening.
So yes, those 13 year olds can be sued for just such a performance especially if they released it.
B.
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