Weather Reports

Blu-Ray and HD DVD already singing the broken DRM blues?

Yaser Herrera, Samuelson Law, Technology, and Public Policy Clinic - Boalt Hall, March 18, 2006
Abstract: In a set of developments that shocks almost no one familiar with Digital Rights Management ("DRM") technology, it appears that the technology used to prevent copying of new, high definition DVDs, Advanced Access Content System ("AACS") has already been partially cracked.
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"Stuffing" the DMCA "Turkey" with 6 New Exemptions a Day Before Thanksgiving

Jason H. Tokoro, Samuelson Law Technology & Public Policy Clinic - Boalt Hall, November 23, 2006
Abstract: On Wednesday, November 22, 2006, the Librarian of Congress, James H. Billington (“Billington”), announced six new exemptions from the prohibition against circumvention of technological protection measures that control access to copyright works, as provided in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Six exemptions are the most that have been granted during a single rulemaking session. The exemptions will go into effect on November 27, 2006 and continue through October 27, 2009.
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EFF files suit for damages over abuse of DMCA

Aaron Schohn - Samuelson Law Technology and Public Policy Clinic - Boalt Hall, November 12, 2006
Abstract: EFF filed suit seeking damages for the alleged abuse of the DMCA. The defendant, Michael Crook, allegedly sent several take down notices to the ISP of the web magazine 10 Zen Monkeys complaining of copyright violation. While these notices were (arguably) facially invalid, the ISP was not willing to risk legal liability and obliged with the content’s removal. EFF and 10 Zen Monkeys argue that this constitutes intentional abuse of the DMCA and warrant damages for the time and effort expended by 10 Zen Monkeys and the interference with its First Amendment rights.
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Taking it to the Streets, plus Librarians on the March?

Heather C. McGhee, Samuelson Law, Technology & Public Policy Clinic, September 28, 2006
Abstract: In a big week for the DRM and anti-circumvention debate, scattered citizens and a flagship institution weigh in on the future of access to digital content.
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The Trusted Platform Module

Samuelson Law, Technology & Public Policy Clinic, January 8, 2006
Abstract: There is a strong chill in the air as PC manufacturers move towards installation of Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chips in personal computers this year. These chips assign a permanent unique identifier to each computer in which they are installed, effecting ending anonymous internet use. Advocates for the chips argue that the TPM technology may be used to make online transactions such as banking and shopping more secure, reducing identity theft and online fraud. However, critics contend that the technology will be used by the music, movie, and software industries to restrict consumers’ use of copyrighted content, and further erode traditional fair use rights under copyright law.
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