7 chapters across the catalog
Campaign Music Law, Artists vs. Political Rallies
The hosts clarify the legalities of playing music at political rallies, noting that campaigns with proper ASCAP or BMI licenses cannot be forbidden from playing specific songs. While artists often complain publicly, they have little legal recourse under copyright law, though they may attempt to sue under the Lanham Act or right of publicity.
Cybersecurity Act Failure, Presidential Policy Directive 20
The Cybersecurity Act fails to pass the Senate again, leading to predictions of an upcoming executive order. The hosts argue the bill was primarily about protecting corporate copyrights rather than national security. They mention the existence of a classified Presidential Policy Directive (PPD-20) regarding cyber warfare.
Higher Education Opportunity Act, File Sharing
A clip from a university official discusses the "Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008," which requires colleges to combat illegal file sharing. The hosts mock the name of the act, noting it has more to do with protecting copyright than providing educational opportunities.
SOPA, PIPA, and the OPEN Act Legislation Comparison
An examination of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA), and Representative Darrell Issa's Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade (OPEN) Act. While SOPA and PIPA are criticized for their punitive measures regarding the Domain Name System (DNS), the OPEN Act is viewed as a more traditional approach to copyright disputes. The analysis suggests that the OPEN Act requires a bond for those filing complaints to prevent frivolous litigation.
Curry highlights a specific provision in the proposed legislation that would ban the trafficking of VHS recorders lacking built-in copy protection. The hosts find it absurd that such outdated technology is being targeted in modern internet legislation. They view this as evidence of the broad and potentially overreaching nature of the Copyright Act updates.
The hosts examine the Protect IP Act and its potential to limit internet freedom through DNS and routing controls. They analyze a Fox News segment featuring Kimberly Guilfoyle that uses Justin Bieber as a proxy to support Senator Amy Klobuchar's copyright legislation. The hosts argue the segment is a sophisticated piece of propaganda designed to protect large corporations rather than individual artists.
Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Prevention Act
Senator Chuck Schumer has introduced legislation to extend copyright and patent protections to the fashion industry. The hosts argue this would destroy the industry's traditional cycle of imitation and turnover, favoring large corporations like Nike. They characterize the bill as a move toward "communist-style" standardized clothing production.
