O.J. Simpson trial parody barred for use of Seuss' copyrighted material

Article Abstract:

The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in Dr. Seuss Enterprises v. Penguin Books USA that the lower court was correct to enjoin publication and release of a parody of the O.J. Simpson trial called "The Cat NOT in the Hat!" The Court found that the book was substantially similar to the original work by Dr. Seuss and that the publisher infringed on the copyright of the Seuss estate. The Court noted that, for the parody fair use exception to apply, the book would have to have parodied the original work, not the trial.

Copyright, Copyrights, Parody

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Postal inspectors barred from posing as journalists: some federal agencies still allow media impersonation

Article Abstract:

US Postmaster General Marvin Runyon has stated publicly that postal inspectors are not to pose as members of the media as part of their investigations, but some other government agencies still allow such impersonation. Protest from the Society of Professional Journalists and ethical concerns appear to have prompted this action. The FBI and the IRS do allow undercover agents to impersonate people of other professions, but high-level approval is required to pose as a lawyer, doctor, clergyman or journalist.

Investigations, Ethical aspects, Postal service, United States. Postal Service, False personation, Impersonation (Fraud)

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City employee cannot be barred from talking to news media

Article Abstract:

The United States Court of Appeals for the 2d Circuit ruled in Harman v. City of New York that New York City could not require employees to obtain permission before speaking to the press without violating the First Amendment. A city policy allowing an agency to determine in advance the speech which would be disruptive to agency operations rather than punishing disruptive remarks after the fact elicited particular judicial disapproval.

United States, Cases, Freedom of speech, Media coverage, Government employees, Government officials, Local officials and employees

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