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Fair Use Case Summary

Decent Essays

Background: Google controls a search engine that has access to numerous websites online. When a computer user types a phrase in the search engine, the websites related that phrase shows up. Google then sends text, videos or images also related to that phrase to the user’s computer. The “Google images” allows users access to smaller images called “thumbnails”, which are stored in third-party computers. If a user clicks on the image, they are then directed to a new HTML instruction page. Once they follow these instructions they can download full-sized images from the third-party computers. This process of directing another user to access third-party material in one window is called “in-line linking.” Furthermore, Perfect 10 an adult entertainment …show more content…

The Ninth Circuit like the District court used elements of the precedent case Kelly v. Arriba Soft Corp. to make their decision. (In this case, a photographer (Kelly) brought and infringement claim against an owner of an internet search engine (Arriba Soft Corp) which like this case, provided images of the photographer’s expression. The court held Arriba’s use of the thumbnail was considered fair use due to added on expression of the original work and how it benefited the public.) (1) The purpose and character of the use: Does the new work “transform” the original work with new forms of expression added or does the new work simply copy the original work without any new forms of expression? The Court of Appeals in the Ninth Circuit ruled in favor of Google they argued that Google’s thumbnails transformed the original image from a means of entertainment, to a source of information in turn, educating members of society. (2) Nature of the copyrighted work: Is the new work that was copied published or unpublished? Likewise, is the new work that was copied fictional or truthful? While Perfect 10 added new forms of expression to the images on their site, these images were previously published. Under the first publication right it is the choice of the original author of the expression to determine when, where and how their work will be displayed. Unfortunately, Perfect 10 disregarded his right when they placed the images online for profit. As a result, the majority ruled that Perfect 10 does not have the same protection privileges as the original author for unpublished expressions. (3) The amount and substantiality of the portion: Was the amount used an extensive portion to the copyrighted work as a whole? The court referred to the Kelly v. Arriba Soft Corp. case claiming, “It was necessary for Arriba to copy the entire image. If

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