In the News

Celebrities' image rights vs. First Amendment, Harriet Chiang, San Francisco Chronicle, May 13, 2003
Abstract: Winter brothers challenge comic's portayal of them. California Supreme Court to decide whether right of publicity gives Winter brothers' right to control their public images trumping DC Comics' First Amendment rights.

Web site parody irks McCallum, Pete Millard, The Business Journal, Milwaukee, October 18, 2002
Abstract: Parody site targets Wisconsin governor.

Court declares Internet duck a federally protected species, Washington Post, September 20, 2002
Abstract: If it quacks like a duck ... Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tim Hagan can keep using Internet ads featuring GOP Gov. Bob Taft's head on a duck's body, a federal judge ruled this week, dismissing objections by the insurer AFLAC.

EBay Weighing Legal Options on E-Gray Site, Associated Press, September 06, 2002
Abstract: The popular auction site eBay is considering legal action against a parody Web site that lampoons Gov. Gray Davis and is produced by his opponent's campaign.

Judge allows critic to name car dealership on Web site, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Abstract: A federal judge lifted a preliminary injunction on July 16 that had kept a dissatisfied customer from using a car dealership's name on his Web pages, after he created the site to criticize the dealer's business practices.

Free speech and the Internet; a fish story, Katharine Mieszkowski, Salon.com, April 04, 2002
Abstract: A legal dispute between online aquatic plant enthusiasts and a pet supply store illustrates the perils of casual opining on the Web.

Falwell Preaches Against Parody, Julia Scheeres, Wired News, April 04, 2002
Abstract: Rev. Jerry Falwell appeals to the Internet gods to stop a man from using his name for websites that lambaste the popular preacher.

Elephant's 'E' Irks G.O.P., Amy Harmon, New York Times, February 16, 2002
Abstract: . It comes as no surprise that the Republican Party of Texas does not find the World Wide Web site www.EnronOwnsTheGOP.com as amusing as the Texas Democrats who run it.

But the Republicans say that is not why they are demanding that the site be shut down. In a letter delivered on Thursday to the site's owner, the Democratic strategist Kelly Fero, lawyers for the Republican Party say that Mr. Fero and his group have misappropriated the party's official site and a registered trademark that appears there. The letter warns them to stop or face possible legal action.