The Corporate Engagement gang point to a great article today on copyright infringement
by Kathy Biehl over at LLRX.com. Biehl, an attorney who advises
on copyright protection and use, does a great job addressing the many
copyright myths that exist in today's online world.
One of the myths she brings up is the widely used, yet
misunderstood, concept of "public domain." While I would suggest
that every practicioner read the entire article, this section on public
domain is a must-read.
And here's the million dollar question. Is it okay to use
material if it doesn't have a copyright notice? According to
Biehl, the answer is no. No notice is required for works published
since 1978 - meaning that you must request permission to use anything
that is less than 25 years old, regardless of whether or not it has a
copyright notice.
Consider yourselves warned.
Dan Kennedy discusses podcasting in the Boston Phoenix. He asks: "Will it save us from corporate radio? Or further isolate us inside our own miniature media worlds?"
Whether viewed as a savior or isolator, I think we're only just beginning to envision its implications in the PR realm. The possibilities seem limitless right now. What has impressed me and Dan points this out is that the concept of podcasting has only really been around in strength since August.
I like Glenn Reynolds' quote in the article:
In a sense, the meta-story is that something this cool can happen that fast. It’s a sign of the overall health of innovation.