UK’s Implementation of the Anti-Circumvention Provisions of the EU Copyright Directive: An Analysis

By: Aashit Shah The debate surrounding utilization of technological protection measures to secure copyrighted works in the digital arena has raised many an eyebrow in the past few years. Technological protection measures are broadly bifurcated into two categories: access control measures such as cryptography, passwords and digital signatures that secure the access to information and protected content, and copy control measures such as the serial copy management system for audio digital taping devices and content scrambling systems for DVDs that prevent third parties from exploiting the exclusive rights of the copyright owners. Copyright owners have been wary of the digital environment to exploit and distribute their works and therefore employ technological protection measures, whereas consumers and proponents of “free speech” favor the free and unrestricted access, use and dissemination of copyrighted works digitally. Download Full Article (PDF) Cite: 2004 Duke L. & Tech. Rev. 0003

Investigating Terrorism: The Role of the First Amendment

By: Amy E. Hooper This iBrief discusses the constitutionality of a government policy enacted shortly after September 11, 2001 that denies public access to deportation hearings in cases allegedly bearing some connection to terrorism. This ibrief discusses two Circuit Courts of Appeals decisions on the issue and argues that this policy is unconstitutional. Download Full Article (PDF) Cite: 2004 Duke L. & Tech. Rev. 0002

The “Commercial Offer for Sale” Standard After Minnesota Mining v. Chemque

By: Campbell Chiang The Supreme Court established a two-part test for determining when an invention is “on sale” under 35 U.S.C. §102(b) in Pfaff v. Wells Electronics, Inc. For the on-sale bar to be triggered, the invention must be “ready for patenting” and subject of a “commercial offer for sale.” In Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing v. Chemque, Inc., the Federal Circuit expounded on what constitutes a commercial offer for sale. This iBrief explores what is considered a “commercial offer for sale.” Download Full Article (PDF) Cite: 2004 Duke L. & Tech. Rev. 0001