You know you can't just play TV and radio to the world. An auto shop recently got caught playing personal music loud enough that their customers could hear it, which is apparently a public performance. Well, this time the defendant did license the TV content they were playing in truck stops, but they've got this kickass system that replaces standard commercials with their own, trucker targeted ads. Understandably, the Networks don't like that too much, as their advertisers are getting a little screwed.
However I really don't think the judge who ruled in their favor did the right thing. Essentially they're legally hosting a public performance and changing the channel when commercials come on. So suing for copyright infringement seems a little off. How can it be copyright infringement to NOT publicly display someone's work? Just cause you don't like something doesn't make it illegal.
Lets hope this ruling gets capsized in appeal lest big media start to think they have control over what we watch. Pretty soon there'll be no talking, blinking, or going to the bathroom during commercials either. Heck, I'm not watching ads right now, I hope none of the executives at ABC find out about it. I could find myself in the middle of a copyright lawsuit.
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