NFL Wants To Remind You That Having People Over To Watch The Super Bowl On A Big Screen Is Copyright Infringement
from the laws-written-by-lobbyists dept
What is it with sports leagues and their desire to limit how their fans can enjoy the game? There's Major League Baseball, who keeps trying to insist that they own the facts related to a game, and no one can use them without paying MLB first. Then, there's the NFL, who freaked out about TiVo and also tried to ban any broadcasters from using "unauthorized" video feeds to show what happens in the stadium (i.e., no sideline cameras any more). They've been particularly fussy about the Super Bowl, however, forcing advertisers to call it "the Big Game" or whatever, claiming excessive control over the trademark (remember, trademarks are really designed to prevent consumer confusion, not to give holders full control over the mark).The latest situation is perhaps even more bizarre -- but tragically, seems to fall closer to a correct legal reading of a really poorly written law. The NFL apparently nastygrammed a church for planning to host a Super Bowl party. The original complaint was first that the church was charging people, but also that they used the term "Super Bowl" (as if people would somehow believe that the church was associated with the NFL?). After the church agreed to let people in for free and not use the term, the NFL continued to complain, saying that showing the Super Bowl on a screen larger than 55 inches represents copyright infringement. While we, at first, doubted the reality of this, Ben Austro sent in the fact that it is, indeed, spelled out in copyright law that once you get above 55", you may be talking about a "public performance," though, as Ben notes, the wording sounds like it was clearly written by a lobbyist. No matter what the law states, this seems ridiculously short-sighted by the NFL. It's hard to see how they lose out in any meaningful way by not allowing groups to watch the Super Bowl together. Of course, now that this particular quirk of copyright law is getting some attention, how long will it be until the MPAA starts cracking down on those of you with really big screen TVs from showing movies in your home theaters. What was a joke just a few months ago, may become real.
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sad :(
Or just watching it with some friends/family is a copyright infringement, because you only have a license to watch it by one person.
I understand that companies and individuals want to get paid for their copyright, but this is getting ridiculous. Don't try to assert control over something you simply can't control.
A church that tries to create a community feeling by offering this service should not be illegal.
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Re: sad :(
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of course a church
From TFA "It just frustrates me that most of the places where crowds are going to gather to watch this game are going to be places that are filled with alcohol and other things that are inappropriate for children," Newland said. "We tried to provide an alternative to that and were shut down."
Am I the only one who is frustrated by the fact that the NFL is ok with Sports Bars showing the Big Game on the wall using a projector but forbidding a Church from doing the same thing?
The money they make is in advertising and letting people watch it at the church IS NOT going to decrease people who see the advertisements.
This strikes me as not a business decision but rather a decision based on prejudice against Christians. Kind of ironic that the group of people most often assumed to be prejudiced against the world are being prejudiced against.
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Ahh Pascal's Wager, which assumes that, that god would be the god your religion believes in. You'd be in a pickle if that god turned out to the god some other religion believes in. As it turns out you are as much an Atheist as I am, you just disbelieve in one fewer god than I do.
Back to the subject.
No it wasn't persecution of Christians or any other religionists. It was the stupid pointless mindless adherence to a stupid law designed by copyright maximalists, because god forbid anyone should share the enjoyment of their favourite sport, with friends and neighbours.
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Re: of course a church
Who the fuck cares what religion these people are. I'm certain that when it comes to "protecting their content and trademarks", the NFL thinks we're all heathens and deserve to be burned at the steak until dead for the mere unauthorized utterance of the words "Super" and "Bowl" used together, and the nanosecond glimpse of "the Big Game" on anyone's (larger than 55-inch) TV screen without paying for it first.
Conservative Christians are the *LAST* group in the world that should be complaining about prejudice, seeing as how *anyone*, *anywhere* who doesn't believe exactly what you do is going to be damned to a firey death in Hell for all Eternity.
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Remember that when your standing in the line
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Particularly here where the NFL is after everybody.
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Re: by la bête on Feb 2nd, 2007 @ 3:16am
At most they pay a cable bill. And if its a sports game its going to be on a local network channel anyhow (which they could get for free off the air, although the picture may not be as good.)
The local networks do not get royalty fees from end users. they gain their profits from advertising dollars.
For specialty events such as PPV fights or boxing on HBO a bar simply pays a fee for the service. again no royalty directly paid. It is the network that shows the content that pays the licencing franchise for the privilege to air the shows.
Specialty stations recoup this cost by a subscription based service such as premium movie channels and PPV events.
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Re: Re: by la bête on Feb 2nd, 2007 @ 3:16am
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Collections?
Well, kinda. What do you bet that they were planning on asking for "contributions" to defray the cost of opening the church for the game? Or do you naively suppose they will hide all of the collection boxes?
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Voluntary = free.
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Re: Collections?
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Re: Greedy
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Re:
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NFL Shill
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Re: BS
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Makes me want
Maybe I just won't watch the game at all, then I won't be counted by Nielson either.
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Re: Makes me want
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Pathetic
... but for the NFL to go out of its way to single out a community gathering spot where most of those who would go there to watch the game were probably going to watch Simpsons at home instead....
This is really pathetic!
I only wish that this was a bigger story so that the NFL could be nationally embarassed for this action.
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Re: Pathetic
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Give it up, Spartacus
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Re: Give it up, Spartacus
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Re: Give it up, Spartacus
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Re: Give it up, Spartacus
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Great way to treat the fans!
It is very sad how they treat the fans. I, for one, won't be watching the game now.
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A.
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Aren't they already making boat loads of money for the advertising spots? Wouldn't they want more people to watch them? Aren't the short changing the advertisers?
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Progressive
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Re: Progressive
Down through the years I have watched very few Super Bowls.
I have never watched one with New England in it and never will. That my friend is what you call NFL fixing team.
In fact the last Super Bowl I watched was with Paul McCartney at halftime- and it was the only thing entertaining in the whole game anyway.
Solock up the kiddies they are coming.....
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Wow
It's sad to see how many people try to 'live' football in America. The sport isn't really entertaining to watch and it's not fun to play (nowhere near as fun as rugby for example). And I'm sure that last statement will bring out at least one typical football fan that seems to hate everything from every other country when they are talking football, even though I'm sure the TV they watch it on was made in China...
But hey, it's "tradition", and that's all this country seems to have to be proud of. Now it's just come down to this corporation (That is what it is, there is no sport anymore) that would rather force people to... what? Buy smaller TVs? Does a projector count since it's not really a TV, but just a means for displaying an image? What is a TV, the receiver or the display or both?
Screw it, think I'll Tivo THE BIG GAME and put it on torrent immediately after it's over. As for now, I'm gunna go stick my finger down my throat while I think about what this country is becoming.
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Re: Wow
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The Big Game
Personally I have never watched a SuperBowl game and never will. I care nothing about sports of anykind on TV, nor will I go to a stadium and spend exorbinate amounts of money to watch big business in action. I am 61 and have no idea how long there has been a Superbowl, but I have missed them all and do not consider myself hurt in anyway for having done so.
Our country is getting just like the Roman Empire right before its collapse, as long as people can watch sports on tv on the weekend and swill beer or other beverage, no one cares what is happening around them. There really are ways to have a well rounded life without ignoring ones family and spending every waking offtime minute watching sports, hunting or fishing. Nothing is done in moderation any more, it is either wholehog or nothing. I know many will call me names for this post, but I enjoy life to the fullest and it does not include contributing to the decay and decline of this country by idolizing sports and sports so called (celebrities), many of whom are drug ridden addicts and should not be looked up to by anyone, especially our children.
This is just another tactic to control the population and generate more and more money for big business.
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Re: The Big Game
Sports are great if you actually play them, you know, for FUN and EXERCISE, but once people start dropping everything for WATCHING sports, such as showing up to work late and ignoring your kids while you try to watch the ever-important pass attempt, it's at that point that the society that participates in such activities has hit a new low.
Lets not even start talking about the riots of citizens that happen after their own team has won the game...
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Well said.
History is repeating itself.
What a shame, that the worlds greatest nation should choose to reduce itself to this.
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Re: The Big Game
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Re: The Big Game
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The Big Lame
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A fan and still disgusted.
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2 questoins and 3 comments
q2) Can I use the word Superbowl as one word (much of the media does) or is it also copyrighted?
c1) You must have
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Re: 2 questoins and 3 comments
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Justifying their jobs?
The reason I bring up this possibility is that it seems like this happens a lot in business, politics, and elsewhere. People seem to focus on the benefits of one thing, in this case "proving their worth" to the company, and they lose focus of any ramifications it may have.
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Where is
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Stupor Bowl
The NFL takes itself far too seriously, and this year I may well forget the whole thing. (The really GOOD footbal games are in the playoffs anyway.)
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Re: off topic reply to Spartcacus
When leaders make their followers believe they are being treated badly, they are employing one of the oldest tricks in history to keep the sheep in line.
As Hitler's propaganda minister Goebbels said - and proved, people swallow big lies more readily than small ones.
Sorry for going off topic but Spartcacus asked for it.
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What is really the truth
the Super Bowl is the property of the NFL.
The NFL has copyright to it.
Copyright law says that they do have the right to control public viewing.
Where this is getting blown out of proportion is with home viewers.
You can have a Super Bowl party at your house and use a project to view it at any size you want, and as long as you do not charge people, you are fine.
Your house is not considered Public viewing.
A church is considered Public, as are bars and clubs, sports houses etc.
In order for a public place to broadcast the Super Bowl, they have to pay a licensing fee to the NFL.
In the grand scheme of things (despite what fans thinks) it is good business for the NFL to enforce this policy across the board.
They are being paid by advertisers not for viewers, but for viewings.
150 people viewing one broadcast counts as one viewer for advertising purposes (since there is no way to determine how many people are actually watching the screen)
If they did not enforce this, then everyone with any place of business and half a brain would have the game on. The NFL would lose a ton of money because viewership would be down (even though the number of viewers would probably be the same)
As an artist, I love copyright law because it protects my work.
I have chosen to enforce my copyright on big companies, but not on little people because my art work does not constitute my livelihood.
If I lived solely off my artwork, I would enforce my copyright to the fullest extend possible.
As for using the term Super Bowl.
Super Bowl is a trade mark of the NFL.
for a long time, everyone and their uncle was using the term in advertising.
There were Super Bowl sales at electronics stores. (now it is "Watch the Big Game on the Big Screen")
Why should anyone get a freebie from the NFL to promote their business?
What are they giving to the NFL?
Newspapers use "Super Bowl" in their prints, but NOT in ads.
My morning paper had a section called "Super Bowl Weekend" but the front page that pointed to it said "Everything you need to know about the Big Game inside"
That is the difference between Trade Mark violation and Trade Mark usage
You can use the term Q-tips to describe cotton swabs, But you can not use the term Q-tips to advertise a product (and you must mention the trade mark owner in you use them in a comparison of items, or when used to described cotton swabs in something like an article.
i.e. "Use a Q-tip to clean your keyboard" - Q-tip is a registered trademark of Johnson and Johnson.....
Just because people view this Church as a little person, does not give them the right to infring on the NFLs copyright.....
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Re: What is really the truth
Says who? Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 110 does not define a church, bar or club as public. In fact, there is no mention that because a place is publicly accessible that you are required to obtain approval of the copyright holder?
What are they giving to the NFL?
Um, I don't know, free advertising? Making the event much bigger than it is? Making it the so-called 'premier' sporting event of the year? Spreading buzz about the big game? Creating interest in the big game? Creating goodwill? I could go on and on.
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Re: Re: What is really the truth
The courts said who.
Numerous cases have been decided on what is and is not a public display.
In the most basic application. Anyplace you do not have an expectation of privacy, i.e. you house, a restroom, a locker room etc... IS a public place.
And public display of copyright material applies.
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Re: Re: Re: What is really the truth
You're not a lawyer, are you?
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Re: Re: Re: Re: What is really the truth
Although I imagine the NFL would be very upset and definitely would want to call it a public performance if the superbowl was being shown in restrooms and locker rooms across the US
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Re: What is really the truth
communication by an establishment of a transmission or retransmission
embodying a performance or display of a nondramatic musical
work intended to be received by the general public, originated by a radio
or television broadcast station licensed as such by the Federal Communications
Commission, or, if an audiovisual transmission, by a cable system
or satellite carrier, if—
(i) in the case of an establishment other than a food service or drinking
establishment, either the establishment in which the communication
occurs has less than 2,000 gross square feet of space (excluding space used
for customer parking and for no other purpose), or the establishment
in which the communication occurs has 2,000 or more gross square feet
of space (excluding space used for customer parking and for no other
purpose) and—
(I) if the performance is by audio means only, the performance is
communicated by means of a total of not more than 6 loudspeakers,
of which not more than 4 loudspeakers are located in any 1 room or
adjoining outdoor space; or
(II) if the performance or display is by audiovisual means, any visual
portion of the performance or display is communicated by means
of a total of not more than 4 audiovisual devices, of which not more
than 1 audiovisual device is located in any 1 room, and no such audiovisual
device has a diagonal screen size greater than 55 inches, and any
audio portion of the performance or display is communicated by means
of a total of not more than 6 loudspeakers, of which not more than 4
loudspeakers are located in any 1 room or adjoining outdoor space;
(ii) in the case of a food service or drinking establishment, either the
establishment in which the communication occurs has less than 3,750
gross square feet of space (excluding space used for customer parking and
for no other purpose), or the establishment in which the communication
occurs has 3,750 gross square feet of space or more (excluding space
used for customer parking and for no other purpose) and—
(I) if the performance is by audio means only, the performance is
communicated by means of a total of not more than 6 loudspeakers,
of which not more than 4 loudspeakers are located in any 1 room or
adjoining outdoor space; or
(II) if the performance or display is by audiovisual means, any
visual portion of the performance or display is communicated by
means of a total of not more than 4 audiovisual devices, of which
not more than 1 audiovisual device is located in any 1 room, and
no such audiovisual device has a diagonal screen size greater than
55 inches, and any audio portion of the performance or display is communicated by means of a total of not more than 6 loudspeakers,
of which not more than 4 loudspeakers are located in any 1
room or adjoining outdoor space;
(iii) no direct charge is made to see or hear the transmission or retransmission;
(iv) the transmission or retransmission is not further transmitted beyond
the establishment where it is received; and
(v) the transmission or retransmission is licensed by the copyright
owner of the work so publicly performed or displayed;
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Bad call on this play
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???
This is just plain stupid, I think I'm not even going to watch the game this time, I could care less about either teams...I'm going to spend quality time with my family and play with the free software I jsut got off of Giveawayoftheday.com
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Oh really...
And frankly unless the NFL is going to subpeona the cable/satellite/tv bills of everyone in world I really don't see how they can tell who is "infringing". And even if they do manage to get that info how can they tell who is using a tv of 55".
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Super Dooper Bowl
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Wake UP NFL !!!
The LCD/Plasma makers should be telling the NFL to shut it's pie hole. Hard core football fans only buy the bigger TV's JUST to watch the "Big Game". If they continue to get stupid over this rule, people will just stop buying the larger boxes which will hurt everyone involved.
It's bad enough that when I was younger you could go see a NFL game for $10 per seat.(back in the 80's) Now it's $50 for the noise bleed sections, and now they pull stuff like this? insane.....
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Re: Wake UP NFL !!!
I guess that's where the noise bleeds most profusely, so... down by the field.
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Hmmmm...
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Maybe legal
The NFL should have done a demographic/economic analysis first -- I believe they would have found a real benefit from the church events. Rather than sending threats, they should allow any church to receive a no-cost license to show NFL games (but not to record, rebroadcast, etc.)
It would be easy enough to verify, just request the organization's tax-exemption number and address, with information about the number of screens, screen size, number of attendees, etc. Pure gold and good will for the NFL.
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Super Blow
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Laws gone wild.
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Re: Laws gone wild.
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Re: Laws gone wild.
Bah, Football says: "what difference would a handfull of churches make versuses the entire viewership of the world? It's .000000001% - maybe."
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This is why I do not watch sports.
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Who cares
P.S - Ill be watching the game on a 55" HD TV - SUCK MY A$$ NFL - Isnt this America?
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The big game
www.buttercast.com
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Let's all advertise that we are having large Super
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Why it happened
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Re: Why it happened
The NFL did receive plenty of free advertising when stores used the Super Bowl and NFL logos. This advertising made the game even bigger and more important that it was 10 or so years ago. But like every business that is based on an outdated model, they just want to squeeze every last penny, regardless of the negative impact.
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Exceptions
SI had an article on it yesterday.
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55 inch
They seem to want to have it both ways, push the HD TV, big screen, but also limit the number of people that want to view it.
Once the church decided not to charge, and to take the "super bowl" out, they should be able to allow people to watch it, if they allow people at home to watch it on tv's bigger than 55 inches.
Just another way for them to promote the game, more hype.
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Re: 55 inch
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I know!
$$$ of one lawsuit > $$$ from X years of team loyalty
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Big Brother - NWO
Freedom continues to be taken away people -
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Alternative...
There are dedicated fans of sports (football, baseball, soccer, etc...), but at what point do fans decide that being sued for watching a game on their 60" screen is more than they are willing to tolerate. No one loses in these home get together's to watch these games. With the food, drink, NFL merchandise (jersey's or other team spirit clothing), and so on that is present...these organizations aren't losing anything...it's a win all for most.
It is truly insane the direction that sports is taking...the greed and control is amazing.
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NFL Players and Home Theaters
My question is when a church group or the ACLU will sue the league for choosing to go after this church and not players or other establishments violating this agreement.
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Hmmm, Use a projector...
If the NFL is going to be piddling about the size of the screen you watch the game on, use a projector! The screen is less than 2 inches square. The projection is only a reflection of the actual display. Can they charge you for standing outside the stadium and listening? No, that is incidental to the game. A reflection on the wall, of any size, should be the same. It is incidental to the actual display... Of course, this is just the sort of technicality that the lawyers drool over.
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I won't be watching it at home either. I don't think I've ever watched the super bowl sitting at the house by myself, I always watch with friends.
Good news for 'copyright' - bad news for 'advertising'.
OMG HOW STUPID CAN THEY GET!!!! LOL
One can only pray they have lower ratings this year than any other.
Oh well, I can take it or leave it, no big deal at all.
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Clarification
Unfortunately, it is nonetheless true that the content of the broadcast belongs to the NFL. And yes, showing the broadcast to a large number of people, even if nothing is charged for it, and even if it is in a private home, is technically a violation of the copyright. At a PUBLIC venue, such as a bar or a church, it's definitely copyright infringement, and isn't covered by "fair use". Fair use is limited to showing something in your home, and to a limited amount of people. (I'm not sure what that limit is. 15 or 20 people, I think.)
It is doubly unfortunate that the NFL has chosen to go after only churches, and not bars, which also routinely have Superbowl parties. It is certainly not good PR, and if the NFL goes too far in this direction, it will only decrease their goodwill in the eye of the public, and could have deeper repercussions as well.
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Chances are, those folks who were going to their church to watch the game got pissed off, and promised to not watch the game. Other church goers from around the country probably didn't like the publicity, and will boycott the game. Considering the commercials that will run and the halftime show, you think maybe its not a bad idea to have a bunch of bible thumpers watching the game? Hell, the church probably had some emails already drawn up protesting the ads or the halftime show, all ready for their congregation to send off to the FCC.
I like the NFL's stance. You don't like nipples? Then to hell with you and damm the profits. You want to offer a nice, alcohol free place to watch our game? Screw you. Go to a bar. I bet if the church had advertised that their would be strippers at halftime, the NFL wouldn't have given them a hard time. Football isn't for wimps, and the west wasn't won on a salad.
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Churches
I'm pretty sure I have this thing nailed down!
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Actually, I'm more of a bar fly.
It's not the fact it was a Church - doesn't matter, that's completely irrelevant.
Funny how the NFL says a church can't have a showing of the Superbowl.
I IM'ed my boss with the web page - yeah, it's gonna get around now :) Big sports circle here. His comment was, "funny how they can tell a Church not to aire the superbowl, with the NFL's current 'image' of half it's players in Jail, you'd think they would be happy about that."
I like hot chicks, beer, liquor, and seedy bars as much as anyone I know. But this still pisses me off~~
But does it really matter? From an advertiser's point of view - who cares what 'religion' a buyer or potential buyer is. I'm sure many 'Church Goers' drink Budweiser, Drive Chevys, and use Visa...
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and SUE the hell out of the NFL~~
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I've heard this before!
Did anyone else read that article about how handing off a digital camera to a friend to take picture for you was violation of the software license embedded inside? I think it was a Techdirt article even. Regardless, do these company people live life at all? Do the people at the camera companies ever stop to think that more-than-likely they have handed cameras off to friends for certain shots? Heck, all we have to do is search their albums for a picture of themselves, and they're busted! Did it ever occur to the NFL that people have been gathering to watch the games on HUGE screens for YEARS now? (I know that just because something has been in practice for a while doesn't necessarily mean it's right, but in this instance, I think it's OK.) I know I'm not a football fan, but isn't that half the fun? How many out there like to watch the game alone?
By the way, I just came from working in a men's dormitory at a university. There is a 65-inch TV in the main lounge where guys would gather to watch games all the time. The NFL really should hear about it... :P
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I'm emailing this to everyone of them!
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being safe
I certainly don't want to do anything illegal so I guess I'll play it safe and just:
NOT WATCH THE GAME.
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OMG
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Ridiculous
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Re: Ridiculous
I'd come, but I'm hosting my own party. Just to piss them off.
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Your home theater is safe, no matter how big
An “establishment” is a store, shop, or any similar place of business open to the general public for the primary purpose of selling goods or services in which the majority of the gross square feet of space that is nonresidential is used for that purpose, and in which nondramatic musical works are performed publicly.
A “food service or drinking establishment” is a restaurant, inn, bar, tavern, or any other similar place of business in which the public or patrons assemble for the primary purpose of being served food or drink, in which the majority of the gross square feet of space that is nonresidential is used for that purpose, and in which nondramatic musical works are performed publicly.
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55"
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Pathetic
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Slaughter the Corporate Pigs
Maybe playing football isn't for wimps, but what the hell does that have to do with people watching it on TV screens - of any size??
Is it time for your next joint yet?
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super bowl
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TVs in Cars and Wait till RIAA reads this
I love how Dr. offices still showed Disney movies in their waiting rooms even after Disney tried to put a stop to it. I wonder if they still do that. Thankfully, haven't had anyone young enough for the pediatrician for several years.
When my neighbor is working on his 18 wheeler, he blast his 80 rock. The sound is not contained in his yard. I can just see the RIAA people riding around towns looking for people "sharing" their music with their neighbors. I'm surprised they haven't tried to put limits on how loud our radios will play to prevent this from happening.
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Yikes
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Re: Yikes
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Re: Yikes
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I'll have to stick with not watching it because I just don't care.
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ARE YOU SERIOUS NFL
They have got to be kidding! What about the people "over there" who will be watching "the big game" in MWR centers in variousl "hot spots" around the globe? On proxima projectors? Will the NFL get their panties in a wad over that? Me personally, I could care less about football, the Super Bowl, big game or what have you...but them telling a church no. Pardon est moi, but F*** you NFL! You make too much money while the guys in the uniforms (Not military) make WAY too much money playing a GAME! So, on Sunday (Which we, may I assume can no longer call Superbowl Sunday) I will watch my 6 week old drool on herself instead. It will be way more enjoyable than the "Big Game" Besides, one team will win one will lose, regardless if I watch or not.
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church
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And I'd like to remind the NFL...
Maybe the NFL should ask their advertisers and sponsors their opinion (yes I know they are actually the network's advertisers, but the money still ends up in the NFL's pocket).
See how many chip, beer, TV, etc. companies would support the end of Super Bowl parties. You know, where I invite 50-60 people over, we watch it on SEVERAL large screens, and they all cram lots of grub down their throats. You know, where I DON'T charge admission and in the end up spending several hundred dollars on stuff the advertisers sell to entertain all these people.
Yeah, lets see how much money the advertisers and sponsors wouldn't make if the SB parties ended.
I'll give you a hint, NFL. There's a very good reason the chip & beer folks want to promote themselves with the SB: revenue. People don't buy all that crap if they're sitting home alone watching.
The NFL. Maybe that means "Not For Long". Dillholes.
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The Church should PAY
I'd drop football completely if the NFL pursued a single private party for hosting a Super Bowl get together.
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Church bashing not necessary...
What's the NFL thinking? If these people don't watch it at church, they'll fly in for the game? Give me a break. Even if they did, they'd have to get their tickets from scalpers! There's the only place they're losing any real revenue. They should just auction the tickets off an hour before the game!
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6x8
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NFL copyright
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The NFL LIED to the church.
(I) if the performance is by audio means only, the performance is communicated by means of a total of not more than 6 loudspeakers, of which not more than 4 loudspeakers are located in any 1 room or adjoining outdoor space; or
(II) if the performance or display is by audiovisual means, any visual portion of the performance or display is communicated by means of a total of not more than 4 audiovisual devices, of which not more than one audiovisual device is located in any 1 room, and no such audiovisual device has a diagonal screen size greater than 55 inches, and any audio portion of the performance or display is communicated by means of a total of not more than 6 loudspeakers, of which not more than 4 loudspeakers are located in any 1 room or adjoining outdoor space;"
In other words, since the church is NOT a "food service or drinking establishment," then they aren't bound by the 55" limit, and neither are you in your own home.
Corporate Lawyers suck, and will lie about the law, to get you to believe in total nonsense.
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re: What is really the truth
2. The NFL is pulling the old MPAA/RIAA tactic, e.g., going after small entities who can't afford to defend themselves legally.
Ridiculous. Unenforceable. Evidence of more corporate leaders detached from reality.
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NOTHING BUT LAME!!!
What difference does it make if out of the millions of people watching the game, 20 or 30 people get together and watch it. It's a social thing. If I had a big enough TV, I'd ADVERTISE a SUPER BOWL (oh no!!! copyright infringement!!!) party just to spite them. This is so lame. I don't even like football all that much, but to do something like this... It's like Bill Gates complaining that he's a penny short in change. It's stupid.
You know what? I'll do it anyway!
Everyone come to my place for a PUBLIC showing of the SUPER BOWL the ENTRANCE FEE is $5.00 A PIECE.
HAHA!! I'm making money off the SUPER BOWL!
SUPER BOWL SUPER BOWL SUPER BOWL SUPER BOWL SUPER BOWL SUPER BOWL SUPER BOWL SUPER BOWL
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::shaking head::
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Supper Bowl
No street lights - 16' x 9' door - makes you feel right at the game.
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NFL
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Super Bowl
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Blame congress, they wrote the stupid law, the NFL is just obeying it.
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Best Buy, Circuit City, You're NEXT
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The only way to win...
or
"There is a shark in our swimming pool. If we choose not swim there, it will starve to death."
Both seem to apply in this case.
Boycott the NFL.
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Boycott the NFL.
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The Big Game
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Re: The Big Game
ps.
post some pics!
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Re: The Big Game
ps.
post some pics!
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Churches, Persecution, and Money
But what Christians (I am one) ought to be doing is going to a regular church service on Sunday night and worshiping God, not worshiping football. For those who think the NFL is persecuting them: maybe this is a wake-up call from God. Put your attention on Him, not football.
And if you really think the NFL (or the nefarious "they") are out to get Christians, wake up. They want money, nothing else. If fact, they are doing this for the very same reason the churches are: they think this will cause people to go to church on Super Bowl night rather than somewhere else. And if that somewhere else is a restaurant or bar that pays a license fee, the NFL has lost money.
Besides this isn't persecution. If you possess a Bible in Saudi Arabia, you go to jail. Having an unregistered church service in your home in China lands you in jail. THAT's persecution, not this. Stop whining and turn your eyes toward Jesus. The NFL is irrelevant.
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Re: Churches, Persecution, and Money
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Ridiculous
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NFL and the mattress police
This political correctness is getting out of hand. People have lost the power to the almighty dollar. Being a huge NFL fan I'm embarrased that they'd even make a huge deal out of a church doing this.
If anything they should promote this good will in such places to gain bigger audiences but apparrently the NFL has gotten fat and content on it's gains from the fans over the last few years. I lost interest in baseball during the last strike and haven't missed it for years. At this rate I'm sure I can find something to pass the time away so I don't have to worry about infringing on NFL rights... this world has gone mad...
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Competition
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Common Sense
The church should do the "Christian" thing:
1) Obey the law
2) Allow the congregation to watch the game on the church equipment at no cost. If they pass a collection plate in the middle of the game... so what? That's what churches do.
If the NFL chose to come after them (and they wouldn't), the NFL would have to show damage or violation of the law.
This would constitute following the law and allowing your members to commune.
Incidentally, the more popular something is, the more aggressively its copyright must be defended. Try distributing a likeness of Micky Mouse or Homer Simpson through your website. You WILL be contacted.
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TVs
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A little Off topic, well not really.....
There is an old saying out there no news travels like bad news, well, this proves it. We're all thinking NFL right now. Be it NFL Rocks, or NFL Sucks.
Thanks techdirt, for helping them out.
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KILL DRM while you still can. Call your representa
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DRM and the NFL DONT VOTE for DRM supporters
They support and maintain YOUR Bill of RIGHTS in the digital world. Just visit and read and get informed. NO COSTS TO YOU. Get on their mailling list. All they will send is an email heads up to help stop a new stupid act or bill right when it is trying to get support. It's up to you. Be active or lose your rights.
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what????
This stuff makes me sick. If we aren't overly worried about the "terrorist threat" than we are worried about getting screwed.
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NFL
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Way to go captain math
Bah, Football says: "what difference would a handfull of churches make versuses the entire viewership of the world? It's .000000001% - maybe."
Good job, captain math, .000000001% of the world's population is about 6.5% of a single person.
Actually its roughly 652.5% of one person. Or in other words 6.525 people.
Way to go captain math!
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maintaining the value
And why would anyone pay $25 to "own a copy of this program" when they can pop in a DVD or tape and make a copy for themselves? In the long run they want to make it technically impossible to make home recordings, getting you used to that idea now. But this is their goal.
Long term, their goal is that you may view it, but not record it without paying extra. Look at the bottom of your Directv or Dish receivers. You'll see the sticker for Macrovision Inc. The technology to halt home recording is in place today.
"L"
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Dumb American
And by the way, entire viewership of the world? You think the whole world is watching some stupid NFL game - grow up...sheesh.
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What about for those serving in Iraq/Afghanistan
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Struck a cord
Ok with all that said, who will be the first to flame my comments with the hatred that always seems to come from one of these assuming posts. I wait in anticipation. Throw in some insults about my mother while your at it, eh?
P.S to lazy to spell check
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big deal
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NFL Blood Money
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/02/sports/football/02concussions.html?ref=sports
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re #144
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Professional Sports
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pro sports
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Stop Your Belly Aching!
We all know the only religion being practiced on Super Bowl Sunday is MONEY. We tune in to watch the mediocer game but we also love to watch those multi-million dollar commecials and that's mostly what we talk about anyway after the game.
They know we're slaves to their system and now they're treating us like it. Nobody pipped a squeek when new copyright laws were being enacted; nobody cared. But now that they're using them to their advantage and it's affecting your 'lifestyle' negatively, you're ready to act.
Too late, suckers! Perhaps this will teach you all a good civics lesson the next time some Fascist Corporate Lobbyist says your 56" TV is a 'public broadcast device' and NFL Inc. sends you a bill for $1000 for every game you publicly displayed and $5000 for the "Big Game".
Personally, I think the Simpsons is going to be a more entertaining afternoon. Or (God Forbid) a good book!
Don't let that American Fascist Corporate Oppression get you down; you voted for it! Remember?
Regards,
Evil Shiester
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NFL Hormone deficiency perhaps ?
If it wasn't for the fans they would have **** right now .. funny how they only see $$green$$ when they are successful ... and I ain't talkin about the turf.
The fans made the NFL .. no one else
What a bunch of jutzes
May their balls turn to footballs
I only have one thing to say .. quote from a comic Mad magazine 1961.
" ikky poo "
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How much do you pay a year in football tax for you
Now let's change the situation slightly. Instead of a figure skating lesson — the realm of the private good, consider the local public high school football team..."
Is High School Football a Public Good?
http://www.mises.org/story/2419
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stupid americans
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Re: stupid americans
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copright infrigement
1. Why does it matter whether the size is 55 or 155 inches? Ain't the main objective is to attract as many ppl as possible?
2. WHO CARES IF A FOOTBALL IS STREAMED!!!! Just b glad some ppl actually give a crap about the game!
At least that is just me.
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FUCK the NFL!
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Super Bowl Game
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facts
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Power to the People!
Size matters, brains don't.
Our collective & powerful recourse:
Never again buy a product or service from any of the companies who aired ads the evening of 2/4/07 on CBS.
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ill never pay for nfl
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to some of you posting
If you are not going to watch the game why are you spending time here?
If you think the 2 teams in the SUPER BOWL are mediocre then how do you describe the Miami Dolphins?
18-0 mediocre what planet are you from?
What's wrong with church goers?
If you don't go to church then what are you worshiping?
If you posted with the law 170-2 stated or something like that then aren't you on the wrong forum?
I might have made some typing errors but why don't you check your's before you submit?
How can someone who claims to have never watched a SUPER BOWL with the New England Patriots playing know so much about those games?
Am I right after the SUPER BOWL everyone is thinking I'll never pay for the NFL network?
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They put it on public television...
Not to mention that you can watch the game on the internet. Technically the internet public. Absolutely anyone can get on and watch. If they NFL has to issue liscenses so that sports bars can show the game to a group of people, then shouldn't they be paying for the internet broadcasts as well? (Should they be paying Al Gore? I mean, he invented the internet!)
The whole situation is completely stupid, and whether or not you still watch the Super Bowl, it won't make any difference. Pretty much everyone watches it for the commercials anyways.
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public performance
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yeah sure
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Greedy Pigs
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Super Bowl?
So I say: What if they had a Super Bowl (or callit whatever you want) and nobody came to watch the game, or tune in the TV Station that (supposedly) holds the strings to the broadcast? What to they,the Big TV Chains, the Big Sports Consortiums, to control how the sport loving Americans watch the games. What if NOBODY cares WHO hit a Homer, made a TD pass, Scored a TD and every thing elso connected with Sports. They will have to beg John Q. American, to come watch their games, free, and even throw in a HOT Dog!
We Americans, due to our Sporting inclination, allowed Big Corps. to pass rules as to who can, and when, watch sporting events. Let's go back to being more Sport conscious, and less Profit conscious!
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NO FUN LEAGUE
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more than copyright infringement
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Re: What is really the truth
By US law immediate family and friends do not constitute a Public Performance. A Copyright infringement occurs with two events happen, 1.) when those that are not immediate family and friends gather, 2.) when they perform a copyright event live or broadcast.
And they are a few exemptions. Music performed in the normal church service is exempt from copyright infringement, but if the Church should have a concert, outside of a normally scheduled service, they would need to get permission to do so or they would be committing copyright infringement. Music performed at weddings, birthdays, wakes, funerals, etc. are exempt from copyright laws, because generally the vast majority of people gathered at the event are family and or friends.
Mike
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Big Screen Superbowl
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55 inches
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Greedy Corporations
Not only is this highly segregational,but do not think the NFL will stop there. Soon they'll try to get into our homes (like Netflix) and tell us that we cannot bring our own friends/family to watch on the big-screen with cable that we PAY for because it's "copyright infringement"
It's a hindrance of free expression. Now Protect IP does this and WORSE. This bill enables companies to come against individuals who's content they don't "like!" and ordinary users can go to jail for 5 years just for posting background music in a review! (Companies have a HISTORY of abusing and censoring the internet. YouTube is a shadow of what it use to be).
If you don't want the greedy eyes of the corporations and the chocking effect of the government to squash your expression of freedom SIGN against this!
It's not a joke! Companies are getting desperate/greedy and their trying to censor the world wide web. Soon the internet will be under control like North Korea or China if people don't stand up for their rights!
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People are becoming aware of our bullshit! Flee!
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Not sure if filled with absurd hilarity or unbridled rage.
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Are We Becoming A Communist Country?
If you cannot regain the cost of getting a place where you can show a free video or film to the public, then friends we are already in a communist country. Someone needs to turn this law around to make it fair for everyone. If the NFL or anyone else allows you to see the program in your home then they should say nothing about how you do it or what size screen you show it on.
God, Please restore our country to some kind of sanity.
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NFL broadcast
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Big Brother
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Boycott
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Date of article and comments is 2007
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Watching Sports:
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By-Passing Legislature
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Kinect for XBox patent to charge if too many people in room to watch
The Xbox One features, by default, an always-on, works-in-the-dark, microphone and camera that’s constantly connected to the internet. http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/139706-microsofts-new-kinect-patent-goes-big-brother-will-spy-on-y ou-for-the-mpaa
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Time to quit watching it then
What would it take 90 days six months.
Free to air of nothing.
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Time to quit watching
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UNENFORCABLE
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