karn@allegra.UUCP (01/17/84)
I just heard on the radio that the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of Sony in the Betamax case. Phil
davew@shark.UUCP (Dave Williams) (01/18/84)
The Supreme Court ruled 5 to 4 to allow private individuals
the right to video tape programs off the air for there private use.
The Motion Picture Producer's Association was trying to sue Sony
for copyright infringement. Their purpose was to get a payment
for each VCR sold as well as every cartridge of blank tape. The fee
would have driven the price of a VCR up $50 to $100. Tape prices
would have increase about $1.00. Having lost the court case they
are now going to lobby congress to change the copyright laws
so they can exact these fees from the consumer. Write your
congressman and let him/her know how you feel.
"Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty."
Dave Williams
Tektronix, Inc.
ECS