3 Count: Evicting Cybersquatters

At least starting the eviction process...

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1: Fox News Sues Replica Sites for Cybersquatting

First off today, Ashley Cullins at The Hollywood Reporter Esquire reports that Fox News has filed a lawsuit against two websites that it claims are operating confusingly similar domains for a combination of cybersquatting, trademark violations and copyright infringement.

According to the lawsuit, the sites are operated by a single person, identified as John Doe, that owns a pair of confusing similar domain names to Fox News’. The person is using the website to sell dietary supplements and other questionable products.

The lawsuit further claims that the site, in addition to using the similar domains, recreates elements of the Fox News website, thus leading to the copyright infringement claims. Fox is asking the judge to transfer ownership of the domains at issue as well as any similar ones the defendant may own.

2: Music Industry Again Calls on UK Government to Include Copyright in Online Harms Debate

Next up today, Chris Cooke at Complete Music Update reports that The UK government recently published an update on the consultation of a critical white paper about internet harms. As part of that consultation, many major rightsholders, including the music industry, are encouraging the country to add copyright infringement to the discussion.

The original whitepaper was published in April of last year and touched on a variety of issues for possible legal reform including cyberbullying, cyberstalking, nonconsensual pornography and more. Following the release of that initial whitepaper, the government called for comments on it and has now published a report about that consultation, which includes concerns for free speech, burdens on smaller tech companies and more.

Among the comments that were received, the music industry requested that copyright be added to the list, noting the harm that piracy does to creators. This issue takes on a new sense of urgency following Brexit, which will see the country not implement the new EU copyright directive that includes requirements for upload filters and new requirements for news sites to license snippets as well as thumbnail images.

3: Juice WRLD Defense Granted Stay in Yellowcard’s ‘Lucid Dreams’ Copyright Case

Finally today, Chris Eggertsen at Billboard reports that a judge has granted a stay to the family of Juice WRLD in their ongoing lawsuit against the band Yellowcard.

Back in October 2019, Yellowcard sued Juice WRLD for copyright infringement, alleging that Juice WRLDs 2018 song Lucid Dreams used elements from their 2006 song Holly Wood Died. However, just two months after the lawsuit was filed, Juice WRLD passed away abruptly. Yellowcard, however, announced that they were going to continue with the lawsuit, targeting Juice WRLD’s estate instead.

The plaintiffs opposed any stay in the case saying that any delay could harm their ability to make their arguments. They claim that hinges upon the knowledge and actions of the deceased and that, while they were fine with a substitution of counsel, they were not comfortable with a stay. However, the judge sided with the defense, ordering a stay. Both sides are ordered to file a status report by no later than April 13.

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