NBA Referee Profiles

[Dan_ref]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

There is a difference between finding and posting information and selling the information. Much of this information is also public and if you do a search on some of these people you will find bios in on other websites. If that was the case there would be a lot of lawsuits. I would not compare this information to something Sony or Microsoft is going through with software and content thief.

Jeff, you're only showing what you don't know about IP. Whether or not there's a sale involved is irrelevant. Just because something is 'public' does not mean it is in the public domain. And there are - believe it or not - a lot of lawsuits and a lot of money that changes hands at the mere threat of a lawsuit. More than you can imagine.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Dan_ref

Jeff, you're only showing what you don't know about IP. Whether or not there's a sale involved is irrelevant. Just because something is 'public' does not mean it is in the public domain. And there are - believe it or not - a lot of lawsuits and a lot of money that changes hands at the mere threat of a lawsuit. More than you can imagine.

I am not trying to get into a big debate over copyright law. You or I are not lawyers and there are always other issues to copyright lawsuits than simply posting information. Public information is listed all the time and you do not see copyright lawsuits to correct the mistake. And I have been consulted legally on copyright laws as it relates to video of games (used for officiating training purposes) and it would be very difficult for even a company to go after someone if you are not selling the information that is very public and listed in public ways. I would agree that if someone completely ripped off a link and did not change the way the information is listed that would be a problem. But to know someone attended Villanova University in 1986 and they were born on September 5, 1968 in Wichita, Kansas is not copyright material. You can find information on Dick Bevetta right now on other sites and much more than the NBRA has listed. And if copyright laws were also a problem, then every time I see an officiating video on a website, I am sure the source of that information is going after that website for clips. I am sure YouTube would not be in business if copyrighted material was a concern. I am sure most of the information posted does not come with permission from the NBA, NFL, and MLB, NCAA or any major conference along with ESPN, Fox, NBC, ABC and CBS.

Peace

[Dan_ref]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I am not trying to get into a big debate over copyright law. You or I are not lawyers and there are always other issues to copyright lawsuits than simply posting information.

I am not a lawyer but through my day job I do happen to know more than the average person does about IP, which includes copyright, patents, trade secrets and the enforcement/protection of these things. And I know what a huge money maker this is for the real lawyers, which is why people who are "simply posting information" should be careful, at least. I'm not saying btw that the OP was wrong to post that information. I'm just saying that from what you post here you are not really aware of the issues. No biggie.

I also happen to know a bit about US import/export regulations. If you are planning on shipping something to China or Israel let me know maybe I can give you some pointers.

[JRutledge]

The point I am trying to make is I think we are overacting that the NBRA is going to automatically sue someone for information that is somewhat public. And if they did sue, it does not mean they would have some standing or they would likely win. You cannot compare this situation to a musician that was having their music being sold for free on a website to this situation IMO. Then again just like anything we will just have to see.

Peace

[Dan_ref]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

The point I am trying to make is I think we are overacting that the NBRA is going to automatically sue someone for information that is somewhat public.

Yeah I agree, generally people are a bit too sensitive to the threat of getting sued. And in these cases usually the first contact is a strongly worded letter describing your infringement, what a despicably evil POS you are and a demand to stop doing whatever it is they don't like. Sometimes includes an offer to settle if you'll send a check.

[WhistlesAndStripes]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

...a musician that was having their music being sold for free on a website ...

How can something be "sold for free"?? I would think that either it's being sold, or it's free, but it can't be both can it?

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Dan_ref

Jeff, you're only showing what you don't know ...

Very common.

[dblref]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Very common.

What's up with this? Not over your temper tantrum yet?

[Brad]

I'm not going to get into a debate on copyright law. Bottom line... Don't copy other sites and pass the information off as your own. If you choose to do this, don't come post the link advertising it here.

/end thread