This article is over a case between Google and a Belgium Newspaper and it took place in a court in Brussels. Google was accused of violating copyright laws by publishing links to stories from Belgian newspapers without permission. This case holds very big impact on the international newspaper industry. All newspapers around the country are paying attention the ramification of this case. The newspaper was demanding a fine of $32,600 a day for each day that Google displayed its content. The newspapers are hoping to force Google into a settlement that gives them half of the profits. Google was a little angered at this stab at their good reputation. They stated that it was an isolated incident and that all the company needed to do was request the removal of the content and they would have gladly obliged. Google insisted that publishers already have full control over their content. Legal expert in the US said that it would have no direct effect in their country, but that the US courts have not tested the validity of Google News yet so this is only a speculation. This article is a good example of how big name companies, especially that of the United States hold up in courts around the world.
Google loses Gmail trademark caseThis case is over the violation of the "G-mail" Trademark. Daniel Geirsch started using the name "G-Mail" in 2000, which was 4 years prior to Google's use of it. The case was over Google infringing on his trademark that had already been registered. The battle dragged on for 3 years and has been fought by a number of State jurisdictions. Giersch filed a suit to prohibit Google from using that name in their country. Giersch is not selling either. It is his intention to realize the idea for a hybrid mail system and he is convinced of the success of it. The lawyers of this case say it is a big step. "For many Daniels fighting "Googaliaths" confidence and financial means run on in the long course of the battle" This article is another good example of US companies battling non-US companies or individuals. It shows that while the US is such a powerhouse, that every once in a while the little guy is able to stand up to the big one.
Movie Studios Settle with Chinese SiteThis article is over the MPA, made up of five Hollywood studios including Walt Disney, 20th Century Fox, Columbia, Paramount, and Universal reaching a settlement with the Chinese Interactive Science and Technology Co., Jeboo. Jeboo is in trouble for setting up Internet Cafes with software that enables customers to watch pirated versions of Hollywood movies. Jeboo has apologized and stated that they will pay a significant amount in compensation to the studios. These services have long time profited from copyright infringement and undermined the development of legitimate online services. The regional counsel hopes that this settlement will affirm the sovereignty of the Chinese judiciary for the battles against intellectual property disputes and be a move forward for all copyright owners of the world. The MPA was resolved 42 cases involving 135 counts of copyright infringement in China. There compensations have only reached about $300,000 where their losses are around $1.2 billion. This is a good article to show cross-country law and how IP is dealt with in other countries. Copyright protection is a major concern in many nations.