Slashdot Mirror
Former Congressman Learns About Streisand Effect
corbettw writes "Ted Alvin Klaudt, a former South Dakota lawmaker convicted of raping his two foster daughters, has sent news organizations what he claims is a copyright notice that seeks to prevent the use of his name without his consent." The story says Klaudt maintains "no one can use his name without his consent, and anyone who does would owe him $500,000."
He isn't a "Congressman". He is a former member of the South Dakota House of Representatives, which would make him a former state legislator.
Laura Malone, associated general counsel for intellectual property at The Associated Press, said names of people, companies and products cannot be protected under copyright law. Names can be protected under trademark law, but only in association with goods or services used in commerce, she said.
''Even if there was a valid trademark, the mere use of the name in a news story is not an infringement of trademark,'' Malone said Tuesday.
''There is no legal substance to these claims,'' she added.
The New York Times has a little bit more info on the story. Apparently he sent this notice from prison, where he's serving a 54-year sentence (44 for rape, 10 for witness tampering).
http://sor.sd.gov/results.asp?nav=7
You have to do a search for him after agreeing to some terms.
I wonder if he plans to sue the state over this?
the act of doing so isn't funny, that doesn't mean someone can't make a joke. Learn the difference.
The Kruger Dunning explains most post on