prgclb (02/14/83)
According to the newsletter VideoNews, the Betamax case went before the Supreme Court during the week of Jan 17, and a decision is expected between March and June. Also -- U.S. Representative Tom Foley (D-WA) introduced bill HR 175 to permit noncommercial videotaping of copyrighted material for private use. Sen. Dennis DeConcini (D-WA) is expected to do the same in the senate. It might be a good idea to write our congresspersons now to support the above bills and oppose any movement to impose tape or machine taxes. VideoNews notes that while the above bills and a favorable Supreme Court decision in the Betamax case might protect videotaping, that protection might not similarly apply to audiotaping. In fact, Sen. Charles Mathias (R-MD) and Rep. Romano Mazzoli (D-KY) are planning to introduce legislation charging royalties on blank audio and video tape and/or hardware Carl Blesch Bell Labs - Naperville, Ill. IH 2A-159, (312) 979-3360 ihuxm!prgclb