WTO Approves Suspension of US Copyright in Antigua

hydrofix writes "On Thursday TorrentFreak broke the story (verified by BBC) that the government of Antigua and Barbuda, a tiny island nation on the Caribbean, was planning to launch a legal 'pirate' website selling movies, music and software without paying a penny to U.S. copyright holders. Now, the World Trade Organization has given its final approval for the Antigua government to launch the website. The decision follows from long-running trade dispute between the countries, related to online gambling, which was ruled in Antigua's favor in 2005. After the United States refused to compensate, the WTO granted Antigua the right to 'suspend' U.S. copyrights for up to $21 million annually." From the article: "The Antiguan government further reiterated today that the term 'piracy' doesn’t apply in this situation, as they are fully authorized to suspend U.S. copyrights. It is a legal remedy that was approved by all WTO members, including the United States."

They Cannot Get Something of any Value?

[Anonymous Coward]

What the hell? They had an opportunity to ask for something valuable and instead asked for all the crap put out by Hollywood? Why not just ask for a few beads on a string?

RIAA maths

[Anonymous Coward]

A limit of $21 million per year? What's that 3, 3 1/2 songs? Best get in there quick if you want to buy this year!

Re:They Cannot Get Something of any Value?

[Anonymous Coward]

No one will play this game. The only people looking to violate the GPL for profit are companies that want to resell the code as their own. They will not open the door to the "I bought this in Antigua, so it's mine to distribute as I please" defense due to the ruinous affect this would have when turned back upon them.

So, if you were worried that Windows 9 would be Gnome 3, rest assured, it won't be that good.

Re:RIAA maths == Hollywood Accounting

[DickBreath]

Under Hollywood Accounting rules, Antigua would need to set up a store that sells Imaginary Property (IP). Then they would need to set up several other organizations that bill the store various "fees".

Under Hollywood Accounting rules, this is perfectly acceptable. The US should not complain.

Until the store eventually turns a profit, that $21 Million that Antigua is owed cannot be repaid.

I hope those "fees" won't get too high. I mean, it could take Billions and Billions of dollars in sales in order to eventually turn $21 Million in profit.

Heck, the Star Wars movies from the 1970's still are not profitable!. So poor Antigua may never get the $21 Million that the WTO says it is owed.