Lessig Meets with UK Policy Advisers

scubacuda writes "BBC News reports that Larry Lessig held a private meeting with government media policy advisers at Number 10 Downing Street to urge them to ensure that laws designed to prevent digital piracy do not trample over the right of fair use. Lessig's views could influence the government's approach to proposals to change the Patent Act to implement the European Union Copyright Directive."

I wonder

[Ann Coulter]

If Lessig would fare better here than during the Eldred vs. Ashcroft debacle.

Re:I wonder

[jdiggans]

If Lessig would fare better here than during the Eldred vs. Ashcroft debacle.

Calling Eldred v. Ashcroft a 'debacle' is unfair to Lessig. One can make a perfectly coherent argument that the Supremes were correct in judging that the Bono act doesn't violate the copyright clause in the Constitution. It is limited, even if infinitisimally so from an economic standpoint.

That Lessig felt arguing the case before the Supremes was his only rememedy against bad legislative policy says more about the U.S. citizenry's ability to participate in the creation of the laws that govern them than anything else.

Eldred v. Ashcroft wasn't a debacle; it was prudent case law and the 7-2 judgement reflects this support across the political spectrum on the bench. The debacle sits firmly in the halls of Congress and we should concentrate our judgement there.

-j

Eldred v. Ashcroft

[Gerry Gleason]

Without arguing the case again here, I think the court bend over backwards to see this act as 'limited'. This was the best chance to win a victory for truth and justice, and Congress, bought and paid for the the copyright interests, is likely only to extend these terms more, making a total sham of the concept of 'limited', as if they haven't already.

Re:Eldred v. Ashcroft

[jdiggans]

The court's job is not one of judicial activism (unless Bush has his way). Its only reason to exist is to ensure Congress passes laws in accordance w/ Consitutional mandates. Sadly, they did.
-j

Larry?

[DrSkwid]

Is Larry a contraction of Lawrence?

Re:Larry?

[freestyle-fiend]

> Is Larry a contraction of Lawrence?

Yes

how progressive of the UK...

[k3v0]

they seem to be asking the advice of conflicting views BEFORE the laws are made that chill innovation.

UK also under thumb of record industry

[Sanity]

If American's think that they must endure the crass commercialism of a music industry that treats art as product, they should try visiting the UK, and perhaps watching "Top of the Pops" - a BBC show (thus paid for by the general public) which is a shameless tool of the major record labels.

I am not sure whether the music industry has as much political influence in the UK - but they have certainly done just as much damage to our culture.

Re:UK also under thumb of record industry

[91degrees]

Buying political influence is a lot harder in the UK due to restrictions on political donations. Of course, a well funded organisation can make more noise generally, and can spend more time simply getting their point across.

TOTP is really just a symptom of the main problem that also affects radio stations - Who decides whether a new release gets radio play?