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Friday, June 6, 2008

Why I like Google: Reason #38

I like their "Come Back With A Warrant" attitude towards those seeking to get videos removed based on claims of copyright infringement. Most corporations would like to deny that a 'fair use' exception to the copyright law even exists. Google lets you know right away that here it will be vigorously defended. The 'don't tread on me' statement below is from the Google website instructions for filing a copyright complaint:
Infringement Notification - copyright in the US

To file a notice of infringement with us, you must provide a written communication (by fax or regular mail -- not by email, except by prior agreement) that sets forth the items specified below. Please note that you may be liable for damages (including costs and attorneys' fees) if you materially misrepresent that a product or activity is infringing your copyrights.


Indeed, in a recent case (please see http://www.onlinepolicy.org/action/l... for more information), a company that sent an infringement notification seeking removal of online materials that were protected by the fair use doctrine was ordered to pay such costs and attorneys fees. The company agreed to pay over $100,000. Accordingly, if you are not sure whether material available online infringes your copyright, we suggest that you first contact an attorney.

To expedite our ability to process your request, please use the following format (including section numbers):


Google is a product of the Free Software and Open Source movement. Millions of people that think they've never used Linux, use it every day when they access Google. That is one of the reasons I am proud to host my documentary Vietnam: American Holocaust at it's full resolution of 720x480 and it's full length, 87 minutes on Google Video.