TMCnet News

Experts Available to Discuss Bill Targeting File-Sharing Networks
[August 25, 2004]

Experts Available to Discuss Bill Targeting File-Sharing Networks

--(Business Wire)--

TOPIC: Lobbyists for record labels and movie studios are taking a bill to the Senate Judiciary Committee that targets file-sharing networks, according to an article by the Los Angeles Times. The Inducing Infringement of Copyrights Act of 2004 would make file-sharing networks liable if they assist anyone in committing piracy of copyrighted material. The bill primarily targets file-sharing networks that permit users to download free music and movies. Opponents claim the bill is ambiguous and fear it will result in hefty lawsuits that could put small file-sharing networks out of business.



EXPERTS: ExpertSource can offer several highly qualified experts to comment on this story:

Michael Merhej is the founder of ByteTaxi Inc., makers of FolderShare. This innovative software employs peer-to-peer (p2p) technology to help users create their own virtual private networks (VPNs), or libraries. FolderShare libraries allow individuals to share documents between their own PCs or with other invited members. The process of collaborating on files in a common space is an inherently social one--making FolderShare a new kind of media not only for small business, but also for friends and families. Merhej believes the Inducing Infringement of Copyrights Act of 2004, introduced by Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), would make any technology illegal that could potentially "induce" people to infringe copyright. Merhej further notes, "This vaguely defined legislation could potentially outlaw all peer-to-peer software and everyday devices like VCRs and iPods." 512-477-9544 [email protected]


Dr. Michael A. Einhorn, of the Brattle Group, is an economic expert active in the areas of antitrust, copyright, patents, media, entertainment, licensing, valuation, and competition advocacy. Dr. Einhorn has worked in antitrust and intellectual property matters related to broadcasting, cable, satellite, movies, music, telecommunications and software. He has provided technical expertise in matters involving five record labels, eight movie studios, forty-five States Attorneys General, and the United States Department of Justice. In media and intellectual property, he has worked in music rights, fair use, data mining, damages, hyperlinking, file-sharing, and digital rights management. He has designed and applied techniques related to the valuation and licensing of copyrights and patents for content and technology. 212-490-6000

M. Fletcher Reynolds is a practicing attorney with a Ph.D. in music theory. Dr. Reynolds serves both as an attorney litigating infringement cases concerning all types of copyrighted subject matter and as an expert witness on the subject of plagiarism in music. Dr. Reynolds is author of "Music Analysis for Expert Testimony in Copyright Infringement Litigation" (Ann Arbor: UMI, 1991), his doctoral dissertation analyzing both the legal and musical aspects of this subject. 214-220-2111

ExpertSource cannot guarantee the immediate availability of these experts or their familiarity with this specific issue.

ExpertSource provides academic and industry experts to the media at no charge. Journalists are encouraged to submit queries to ExpertSource when seeking experts on specific subjects. An online registration form is available at http://www.businesswire.com/.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]