May 7, 2003

Bowers v. Baystate:

Should shrinkwrap contracts should be preempted by the Copyright Act?

Yes, simply because they fail the extra element test:
However, this extra element test fails under a shrink wrap theory, because the extra element, the bargained for exchange, is markedly absent in such a contract. Here, the breach of contract action serves as nothing other than a subterfuge to control the exclusive rights of works within the subject matter of copyright for a work which failed to meet the federal act's standards for protection.
Why the Contractual Protection of Ideas is Preempted by Federal Copyright (12/00)
see also: the dissent, by Judge Timothy B. Dyk, in Bowers v. Bay State as well as the Pro CD and Vault cases.


Previous Posts

  • While Trademark Blog is away...
  • Lawyer-Squatters
  • Finally, someone is starting to think about the Unconstitutionality of the Super-DMCA:
  • Tuesday's Reading List
  • Will the Music Industry Use Illegal Measures to Counteract Piracy?
  • WHO WAS, WHOIS, and WHO WILL BE
  • On the QT:
  • Monday's Reading List
  • Zeta Jones Pics Posted by Clearchannel
  • Weekend Reading List