News of the Week

News of the Week; July 10, 2013

1. Sega claiming $941,000 from THQ over Company of Heroes 2 preorders

2. Is Hacking Videogame Characters Legal?

3. Research: Violent Games Do Not Adversely Affect Prosocial Behavior

4. Microsoft patent filing attempts to lock down games with multiple engines running concurrently

5. Microsoft: Xbox One advertising will integrate with Kinect

6. Mattrick prepped Zynga buyout while at Microsoft – report

7. An EVE Revenant Supercarrier downed on combat is the most expensive ship destroyed to date

8. A Conversation with Paola Antonelli about MoMA’s Video Game Collection

9. Apple guilty of ebook price fixing, rules federal court

10. Secret Court’s Redefinition of ‘Relevant’ Empowered Vast NSA Data-Gathering

+ The Laws You Can’t See

+ Supreme Court asked to halt NSA phone surveillance

+ Is Switzerland turning into a cloud-haven in the wake of Prism scandal?

11. Author Resale rights in Canadian Copyright Law

12. Bitcoin tax time?

13. Did Florida Accidentally Ban All Computers and Smartphones?

And in the “too cute” category:

14. The Console Wars Become A Triumphant West Side Story-Style Musical

jon

“i am a gamer” game-jam July 12-14 @ the CDM

This coming weekend my friend and colleague Dr. Kimberly Voll is unleashing the (first annual) “i am a gamer” Game-Jam on our world. The event is committed to creating games with strong female characters and was prompted by a number of industry comments doubting the viability of woman as lead characters in games.

If any of the many worlds theories promulgated by contemporary physicists are correct we might hope such sexist non-sense has long since disappeared in those alternate universes. But in our here and now confronting nonsense with truth must be the order of the day – or at least the order of this weekend.

The Jam is July 12-14 at the Centre for Digital Media. Sign up @ the website: http://iamagamer.ca/

jon

News of the Week; July 3, 2013

1. Beyonce Settles $100M Lawsuit With Video Game Company

2. First Amendment trumps trademark in Call of Duty Case

3. Antonick v. Electronic Arts (Patent Arcade Update)

4. Texas Teen Could Face Eight Years in Prison for Comments Made in League of Legends

5. Blizzard Bans More Diablo III Players for ‘Cheating

6. 10 Business Lessons from the Battlefield

7. Consoles must offer self-publishing to attract indies, says Jackbox

8. How Important Are YouTube Game Videos To Game Companies?

9. Microsoft explains Xbox One’s new griefer-separating reputation system

10. Video Games: Seven More Building Blocks in MoMA’s Collection

11. Zynga Hires Xbox Boss to Initiate Turnaround

12. Ubisoft warns millions of video gamers of hack attack

13. Bushnell: Atari abused by shareholders

14. Research: Active Gaming Therapy Beneficial to Stroke Victim Recovery

15. Oracle v Google update: is refusing copyright protection to application programming interfaces (APIs) the only way to achieve interoperability?

16. Secret Court Declassifies Yahoo’s Role in Disclosure Fight

17. NSA surveillance may be legal — but it’s unconstitutional

18. Choice of Law for Online Copyright Infringement – A Proposal for the Law Applicable to Ubiquitous File Sharing by S.R. Blackman

jbf

News of the Week; June 26, 2013

1. EA’s timing argument thrown out in Madden lawsuit

2. Appeals court sides with Nintendo in Wii Balance Board patent lawsuit

3. Long, unhappy post on Hart v. EA

4. Ellen Page Says The Last Of Us’ Ellie “Ripped Off My Likeness”

5. Naughty Dog accused of swiping Last of Us art

6. Saints Row IV effectively banned under new Australian rating system

7. Modern Warfare

8. XBox 180: Microsoft No Longer Dream the DRM

9. Big data comes to games. How one company sees the future in personalized play

10. Canadians Shifting Gaming Addiction from Console to Mobile, Study Says

11. Watch A Fox Reporter Demolish A Hackneyed Anti-Game Argument

12. Make Me Walk, Make Me Talk, Do Whatever You Please – Barbie and Exceptions by Rebecca Tushnet (Georgetown Law)

13. Indie dev skips PAX citing Penny Arcade artist’s comments

14. Stanford Law School Center for Internet and Society Launches “Cookie Clearinghouse” to Enable User Choice for Online Tracking

15. German Court Holds Google Responsible for Its Search Suggestions

16. Recommendation to European Court Favors Google in Privacy Battle

17. Apple and DOJ release slide decks from closing arguments in ebook trial

18. And in the “can’t stop laughing” department – Kaplit to Trenk domain name correspondence

jbf

News of the Week; June 19, 2013

1. Apogee Sues Gearbox Over Duke Nukem Forever Deal

2. Beyonce Settles Lawsuit with Game Developer Gate Five

3. The Truth About Video Games and Gun Violence

4. George Lucas & Steven Spielberg on the Future of Entertainment

5. Is EA Seeing the Light on Used Games? It Sure Sounds Like It

6. Microsoft reverses Xbox One online check and used games policies following backlash

7. I Can’t Stop Playing Candy Crush But That’s a Ridiculous Reason to IPO

8. Nolan Bushnell Explains Why Kids Who Video Game Are Smarter Than Those Who Don’t

9. Pixels Floating on the Art World’s Margins

10. Secret Court Ruling in 2008 Put Technology Companies in Bind

11. Google Calls U.S. Data Request Disclosures a Step Backward for Users

12. Apple Executive Defends Pricing in Case on E-Books

13. Internet Censorship and Control – A collection of peer reviewed papers on the topic of Internet Censorship and Control

And in the “Oh no…really?” category:

14. Forbes Told Women What to Wear to E3, Users Tell Forbes Where to Go

jon

News of the Week; June 12, 2013

1. Patrice Désilets Sues Ubisoft For $400,000 And Rights To Purchase 1666: http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/06/08/patrice-desilets-files-lawsuit-against-ubisoft.aspx

2. Acknowledging Copyright’s Illegitimate Offspring – User-Generated Content and Canadian Copyright Law by Teresa Scassa: http://www.press.uottawa.ca/sites/default/files/9780776620848_14.pdf

3. How Games Licensing Works on Xbox One: http://news.xbox.com/2013/06/license

4. Xbox One, discs, and downloads: Better than feared, worse than hoped: http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/06/xbox-one-discs-and-downloads-better-than-feared-worse-than-hoped/

5. PS4 $399, no used game restrictions: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-06-11-ps4-USD399-no-used-game-restrictions

6. EFF Weighs in on First Sale Doctrine and Used Gameshttp://gamepolitics.com/2013/06/07/eff-weighs-first-sale-doctrine-and-used-games#.UbTkSxZC7fg

7. Analyst: Publishers Unlikely to Block Used Games, But Might Seek Retail Feehttp://www.gamepolitics.com/2013/06/07/analyst-publishers-unlikely-block-used-games-might-seek-retail-fee#.UbTmOhZC7fg

8. Mattrick addresses Xbox One online concerns: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-06-12-mattrick-addresses-concerns-over-xbox-one-connectivity

9. Privacy concerns won’t hurt Xbox One, says Bushnell: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-06-07-privacy-concerns-wont-hurt-xbox-one-says-bushnell

10. Chinese Game 300 Heroes A Mash-Up of Copyrighted Materialhttp://www.gamepolitics.com/2013/06/05/chinese-game-300-heroes-mash-copyrighted-material#.UbUBehZC7fh

11. Investigation into Trendy Entertainment reports mismanagement, sexism: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-06-10-investigation-into-trendy-entertainment-reports-mismanagement-sexism

12. Rhode Island Republicans Call for Investigation Into 38 Studios Deal, Urge a Default on $100 Million Debthttp://gamepolitics.com/2013/06/06/rhode-island-republicans-call-investigation-38-studios-deal-urge-default-100-million-debt#.UbTjvxZC7fg

13. New online game turns mild-mannered Vancouver pedestrians into virtual warriors: http://www.vancouversun.com/touch/story.html?id=8501415

14. Video Gamers Really Do See More: Gamers Capture More Information Faster for Visual Decision-Making: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130611161943.htm

15. Tech Companies Concede to Surveillance Program: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/08/technology/tech-companies-bristling-concede-to-government-surveillance-efforts.html?pagewanted=all

16. Google, Facebook and Microsoft Ask to Reveal U.S. Data Requests: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/12/daily-report-google-facebook-and-microsoft-ask-to-reveal-u-s-data-requests/

17. Privacy czar to probe Canadian impact of U.S. data program: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/06/10/pol-cp-mackay-surveillance-eavesdropping.html?cmp=rss

jbf

News of the Week; June 5, 2013

1. Athletes’ rights of publicity trump First Amendment in video game context: http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=11825a4a-15ac-435f-93d9-3d375da14e2c

2. The Future of Video Games – A Box and a Cloud: http://m.newyorker.com/online/blogs/elements/2013/05/the-future-of-video-games-a-box-and-a-cloud.html

3. Canadian Video Game Industry Critical Component of New Digital Economy and Source of National Pride; Contributes $2.3 Billion to GDP: http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130531-906598.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

4. Russian Hacker Pirates The Dishwasher, Calls it ‘Justice’http://www.gamepolitics.com/2013/06/04/russian-hacker-pirates-dishwasher-calls-it-justice#.Ua6QIhZC7fg

5. Let’s Play crackdown is an attack on game culture: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/192396/Opinion_Lets_Play_crackdown_is_an_attack_on_game_culture.php

6. Pre-owned crackdown is a sad excuse for business innovation: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-05-31-pre-owned-crackdown-is-a-sad-excuse-for-business-innovation

7. Mamma Mia: Nintendo Flexes Copyright Against YouTube Video Game Reviewers: http://www.iposgoode.ca/2013/05/mamma-mia-nintendo-flexes-copyright-against-youtube-video-game-reviewers/

8. Research: Video Games Make Teens Better Citizens: http://gamepolitics.com/2013/06/05/research-video-games-make-teens-better-citizens#.UbAuUBZC7fg

9. Were truckloads of ‘E.T.’ Atari cartridges buried in New Mexico? A film crew is about to find out: http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/31/4384248/documentary-crew-to-excavate-legendary-et-atari-landfill

10. I Am A Gamer: One Woman’s Push For Change Through Charity Game Jams: http://indiestatik.com/2013/05/31/iamagamer/

11. When It May Not Pay to Be Famous: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/02/sunday-review/between-the-first-amendment-and-right-of-publicity.html

12. Google must obey FBI’s warrantless requests for user data for now, judge rules: http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/31/4383048/google-must-obey-fbis-warrantless-requests-for-user-data-for-now

13. Trial on E-Book Price-Fixing Puts Apple in Spotlight: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/03/technology/e-book-antitrust-case-against-apple-to-begin.html?adxnnl=1&pagewanted=all&adxnnlx=1370279475-MuZoMRqmY+vnZvLQrTFeNg

14. In China, an Empire Built by Aping Apple: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/05/business/global/in-china-an-empire-built-by-aping-apple.html?pagewanted=all

jbf

News of the Week; May 29, 2013

1. Atari Seeks Permission to Hold Asset Auctions in July from Bankruptcy Courthttp://www.gamepolitics.com/2013/05/23/atari-seeks-permission-hold-asset-auctions-july-bankruptcy-court#.UZ64cpVC7fg

2. German commissioner highlights Xbox One privacy concerns: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-05-28-german-commissioner-highlights-xbox-one-privacy-concerns?utm_content=bufferb0a5d&utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Buffer

3. Can the next generation consoles block used games?: http://www.gamerlaw.co.uk/2013/can-the-next-generation-consoles-block-used-games/

4. Cheating in Online Video Games: http://techland.time.com/2013/05/24/cheating-in-online-video-games/

5. Gaming Tax Credits: A Developer’s Guide to Free Money: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-05-22-gaming-tax-credits-a-developers-guide-to-free-money

6. ESA Releases 2012 Annual Report: http://gamepolitics.com/2013/05/28/esa-releases-2012-annual-report#.Uabu85VC7fg

7. The legal status of virtual goodshttp://www.lawyersweekly.ca/index.php?section=article&articleid=1912&rssid=4

8. Demcak v. Vo, 2013 BCSC 899 (unlike Ontario, no common law tort in B.C. for invasion of privacy: http://www.canlii.org/en/bc/bcsc/doc/2013/2013bcsc899/2013bcsc899.html

9. User Generated Content Under Canadian Copyright Law: http://www.teresascassa.ca/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=128:user-generated-content-under-canadian-copyright-law

10. Revoking an “implied” software license: http://www.mondaq.com/canada/x/241970/Licensing+Syndication/Revoking+An+Implied+Software+License

11. Vermont Enacts The Nation’s First Anti-Patent Trolling Law: http://www.forbes.com/sites/ericgoldman/2013/05/22/vermont-enacts-the-nations-first-anti-patent-trolling-law/

12. Teens, Social Media, and Privacy: New Survey Findings from Pew and the Berkman Center: http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/node/8325

13. Facing Pressure, Facebook Will Review Efforts to Bar Hate Speech: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/29/daily-report-facing-pressure-facebook-to-review-efforts-to-bar-hate-speech/?nl=technology&emc=edit_tu_20130529

14. If You Thought Copyright Was A Mess On Earth, What Does It Look Like In Space?: http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130524/00583723201/if-you-thought-copyright-was-mess-earth-what-does-it-look-like-space.shtml

jon

UBC CTLT Institute session on “Open Courses, Open Pedagogies”

Had the privilege today of speaking about Video Game Law as an open course at the UBC Centre for Teaching, Learning & Technology’s annual week-long CTLT Institute program. My talk followed presentations from Christina Hendricks, a Senior Instructor who regularly teaches both in Philosophy and in Arts One at UBC, and from Jon Beasley-Murray who teaches in the Department of French, Hispanic, and Italian Studies and in the Arts One program.

The description of the session was:

“The word “open” is increasingly being mentioned in conjunction with teaching and learning. Open education is an effort to eliminate access barriers, such as time and location, and this session will feature multiple instructors who have embraced an open approach in their teaching and learning projects:

* The Arts One Digital project is an open, online extension to the Arts One program that combines History, English, and Philosophy to introduce students to some of the classic texts of the past two millennia of world civilization. The goal of Arts One Digital project is to enable anyone to join this voyage of discovery and critical analysis.
* VideoGameLaw is the course blog for LAW450:Video Game Law and features open course content as well as students, instructors, and industry experts engaging in dialogue and discussion about the legal aspects of the digital media and video game. The goal of LAW450 is to continue scholarship in these areas.

This session will explore their motivations and definitions for what “open” means. In addition to hearing their stories, we will discuss the impact openness had on their pedagogy, student engagement, and use of technology. We will also look at how to determine if these efforts are meeting the instructors goals and improving the student experience.”

Here are my slides and the video of the whole session:

Download the PowerPoint Slides

jon

News of the Week; May 22, 2013

1. Ryan Hart v. Electronic Arts (USCA 3rd) – “NCAA Football” right of publicity opinion filed May 21, 2013: http://www.ca3.uscourts.gov/opinarch/113750p.pdf

2. Nintendo targets user YouTube videos: http://www.gamepolitics.com/2013/05/16/nintendo-targets-lets-play-videos-youtube#.UZUYuZVC7fg

3. Nintendo’s YouTube Ad-Grab Is Playing With Fire: http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2013/05/nintendo-youtube-lets-play/

4. Virtual and augmented reality: the next big legal controversy for games?: http://www.gamerlaw.co.uk/2013/virtual-and-augmented-reality-the-next-big-legal-controversy-for-games/

5. Shady Shadow of the Eternals T&C’s ‘a mistake’http://www.develop-online.net/news/44225/Shady-Shadow-of-the-Eternals-TCs-a-mistake

6. Former GTA Producer: Why I’ll Never Work On Violent Games Again: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-05-17-former-gta-producer-why-ill-never-work-on-violent-games-again

7. Researchers: Games With Human Opponents Make Players More Aggressive: http://www.gamepolitics.com/2013/05/20/researchers-games-human-opponents-make-players-more-aggressive

8. Nova Scotia new tort of cyberbullying: http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=2f8ff381-9751-48c0-a93d-3c467b55c307

9. Blehm v. Jacobs: Can you Infringe the Copyright of a Stick Figure?: http://copyrightem.com/blehm-v-jacobs-can-you-infringe-the-copyright-of-a-stick-figure

10. Lawmakers Show Concerns About Google’s New Glasses: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/17/technology/lawmakers-pose-questions-on-google-glass.html?nl=technology&emc=edit_tu_20130517&_r=0

11. Google’s business practices to be investigated by Canadian Competition Bureau: http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/18/4342242/googles-business-practices-to-be-investigated-by-canadian-competition-bureau

12. Is the Patent System Working or Broken? A Discussion with Four Distinguished Federal Judges – (Event Audio/Video): http://www.fed-soc.org/publications/detail/is-the-patent-system-working-or-broken-a-discussion-with-four-distinguished-federal-judges-event-audiovideo

13. The Remixing Dilemma: The Trade-off Between Generativity and Originality – Benjamin Mako Hill & Andrés Monroy-Hernández: http://research.microsoft.com/pubs/192117/hill_monroy-remixing_dilemma.pdf

14. Resale of digital music: US v EU approach: http://www.williamfry.ie/publication-article/resale_of_digital_music_us_v_eu_approach.aspx

15. Apple Avoided Billions in Taxes, Congressional Panel Says: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/21/business/apple-avoided-billions-in-taxes-congressional-panel-says.html?emc=na

jon

News of the Week; May 15, 2013

1. EA will no longer pay gun makers for the right to depict weapons in games: http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/8/4311300/electronic-arts-distances-itself-from-gun-manufacturers

2. ‘Xbox Killer’ Takes Conviction Fight to Florida Supreme Courthttp://gamepolitics.com/2013/05/09/xbox-killer-takes-conviction-fight-florida-supreme-court#.UZPyh5VC7fg

3. Research: Frequent Exposure to Violent Games May Have ‘Desensitizing Effect’: http://www.gamepolitics.com/2013/05/10/research-frequent-exposure-violent-games-may-have-desensitizing-effect#.UZKU1pVC7fg

4. Vice President Sees No Legal Hurdles in Enacting Sin Tax on Violent Mediahttp://www.gamepolitics.com/2013/05/13/vice-president-sees-no-legal-hurdles-enacting-sin-tax-violent-media#.UZJvM5VC7fh

5. Blizzard Donates Money Made from Diablo III Gold Glitch to Children’s Charityhttp://gamepolitics.com/2013/05/13/blizzard-donates-money-made-diablo-iii-gold-glitch-childrens-charity#.UZKLz5VC7fg

6. Make Your Own Video Game With No Coding Required: http://mashable.com/2013/05/07/pixel-press/

7. Appeals court ruling could be ‘death’ of software patents: http://m.networkworld.com/news/2013/051013-appeals-court-ruling-could-be-269658.html#mobify-bookmark

8. The Intellectual Property Implications of Low-Cost 3D Printing by S. Bradshaw, A. Bowyer & P. Haufe: http://www.law.ed.ac.uk/ahrc/script-ed/vol7-1/bradshaw.asp

9. Google, Twitter, Facebook and the new global battle over the future of free speech: http://www.newrepublic.com/article/113045/free-speech-internet-silicon-valley-making-rules

10. Are end-user agreements for tangible products on the horizon?: http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=6777a6e3-acc7-42db-b511-36446fbb1769

11. The state of Internet privacy in 2013: Research roundup: http://journalistsresource.org/studies/economics/business/the-state-of-internet-privacy-in-2013-research-roundup#

12. In the not entirely relevant category:

A Theory of Justice, the Musical Imagines Philosopher John Rawls as a Time-Traveling Adventurerhttp://www.openculture.com/2013/05/ia_theory_of_justice_the_musicali_imagines_philosopher_john_rawls_as_a_time-traveling_adventurer.html

13. And in the could we possibly be more prejudiced and out of date category:

Nintendo of Japan Patches Out Same-Sex Relationships in Tomodachi Collection: New Lifehttp://gamepolitics.com/2013/05/13/nintendo-japan-patches-out-sam-sex-relationships-tomodachi-collection-new-life#.UZKFTpVC7fg

jon

News of the Week; May 8, 2013

1. Cat meme creators in legal battle with Scribblenauts: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-05-03-cat-meme-creators-in-legal-battle-with-scribblenauts?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=european-daily

2. Sega, Gearbox Respond to Aliens: Colonial Marines Class Action Lawsuithttp://www.gamepolitics.com/2013/05/03/sega-gearbox-respond-aliens-colonial-marines-class-action-lawsuit#.UYgYpZVC7fh

3. Piracy or baiting? The thorny legal question of Game Dev Tycoon’s honeypot: http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/05/piracy-or-baiting-the-thorny-legal-question-of-game-dev-storys-honeypot/

4. New S. Korean legislation groups games with alcohol and drugs: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-05-03-new-s-korean-legislation-groups-games-with-alcohol-and-drugs?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=european-daily

5. Patrice Desilets leaves Ubisoft again: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-05-07-patrice-desilets-leaves-ubisoft-again

6. EA drops gun licenses, will use them anyway: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-05-08-ea-drops-gun-licenses-will-use-them-anyway?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=european-daily

7. Want to Slow Mental Decay? Play a Video Game: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130501192918.htm?utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Buffer:%2Bvincefavilla%2Bon%2Btwitter&buffer_share=7fc40

8. Google hires a chief game designer, but isn’t saying why: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/191644/Google_hires_a_chief_game_designer_but_isnt_saying_why.php

9. Court Dismisses Craigslist Suit Against Competitors: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/01/court-dismisses-craigslist-suit-against-competitors/?nl=technology&emc=edit_tu_20130502

10. Facebook wins millions in case against typo squatters: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57582384-93/facebook-wins-millions-in-case-against-typo-squatters/

jon

News of the Week; May 1, 2013

1. SEGA, Gearbox sued in class action lawsuit over Aliens-CM: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-05-01-sega-gearbox-sued-in-class-action-lawsuit-over-aliens-cm?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=european-daily

2. Electronic Arts Faces Jury Trial Over ‘Madden NFL’: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/electronic-arts-faces-jury-trial-447243?buffer_share=0590c&utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Buffer%253A%252Bwkeithrobinson%252Bon%252Btwitter

3. Greenheart Games Trolls Pirates With Altered Cracked Version Of Game Dev Tycoon: http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130429/07360222878/greenheart-games-trolls-pirates-with-altered-cracked-version-game-dev-tycoon.shtml

4. Experts – Chris Christie’s Video Game Proposals Would Face Uphill Legal Battleshttp://www.gamepolitics.com/2013/04/24/experts-chris-christies-video-game-proposals-would-face-uphill-legal-battles#.UXhpGpVC5Lw

5. In Defense of Violent Video Games: http://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2013/04/29/no-link-between-violent-video-games-effects-and-school-shootings

6. Scientology Spoof Takes Grand Theft Auto V Ads Viral: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/123598-Scientology-Spoof-Takes-Grand-Theft-Auto-V-Ads-Viral

7. Is the end near for used video games? http://www.statesman.com/news/business/is-the-end-near-for-used-video-games/nXWh3/

8. Riot: Don’t ban your players, reform them: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-04-26-riot-dont-ban-your-players-reform-them?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=european-daily

9. GTFO: Don’t film the trolls: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-04-26-gtfo-dont-film-the-trolls?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=european-daily

10. IDC expects paying mobile gamers to pass paying handheld gamers this year: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-04-25-idc-expects-paying-mobile-gamers-to-pass-handhelds-this-year?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=european-daily

11. Court Rules in Artist’s Favor: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/26/arts/design/appeals-court-ruling-favors-richard-prince-in-copyright-case.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1367262745-0VYciVLsAKUHOU4sz2VLGQ

+ Appropriation Artist Richard Prince Prevails Against Photographer at Appeals Court: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/appropriation-artist-richard-prince-prevails-446479

+ USCA decision in Patrick Cariou v. Richard Prince, et al.: http://www.ca2.uscourts.gov/decisions/isysquery/5da8dc66-179e-4dc0-94cc-09e213bfffe3/1/doc/11-1197_complete_opn.pdf#xml=http://www.ca2.uscourts.gov/decisions/isysquery/5da8dc66-179e-4dc0-94cc-09e213bfffe3/1/hilite/

12. Court Ruling Takes a Stand on Essential High-Tech Patents: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/28/court-ruling-takes-a-stand-on-essential-high-tech-patents/?nl=technology&emc=edit_tu_20130429

13. Google Transparency Report shows censorship spike, details takedown requests: http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/25/google-transparency-report-shows-censorship-spike/

14. Pushing the boundaries of copyright protection? Card, board and football games: http://ipkitten.blogspot.ca/2013/04/pushing-boundaries-of-copyright.html?m=1

15. Disruptions: Brain Computer Interfaces Inch Closer to Mainstream: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/28/disruptions-no-words-no-gestures-just-your-brain-as-a-control-pad/?nl=technology&emc=edit_tu_20130429

jon

News of the Week; April 24, 2013

1. EA Convinces California Court to Cancel ‘Edge’ Trademarks: http://www.gamepolitics.com/2013/04/19/ea-convinces-california-court-cancel-edge-trademarks#.UXRn3pVC5Lx

2. Can you sell second hand games legally? Should you? – Jas Purewal: http://www.gamesbrief.com/2013/04/can-you-sell-second-hand-games-legally-should-you/

3. Film to be distributed via games console for first time: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/21651921

4. Microsoft to pay Japanese Xbox owners with Points for a million hours of playtime: http://www.theverge.com/2013/4/17/4233928/xbox-owners-free-microsoft-points-for-playing-japan

5. Activision Buys Competition: http://yearofbacklogs.wordpress.com/2013/04/22/activision-buys-competition/

6. UK Interactive Entertainment CEO defends games as culture before EU tax investigation: http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/uk-interactive-entertainment-ceo-defends-games-as-culture-before/

7. Video games may encourage healthy behavior: http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2013/04/23/video-games-may-encourage-healthy-behavior/

8. Rutgers Player-Authors Survey: http://player-authors.rutgers.edu/2013/04/18/rutgers-player-authors-survey/

9. Thrown for a Curve in Rhode Island: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/21/business/curt-schilling-rhode-island-and-the-fall-of-38-studios.html?nl=technology&emc=edit_tu_20130422

10. A Breakdown of Canada’s Videogame Industry, the Third Biggest in the World: http://www.techvibes.com/blog/canadas-video-game-industry-2013-03-25

11. IGDA Strongly Opposes CISPAhttp://www.gamepolitics.com/2013/04/19/igda-strongly-opposes-cispa#.UXRoUJVC5Lx

12. YouTube defeats Viacom copyright lawsuit – again: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57580355-93/youtube-defeats-viacom-copyright-lawsuit-again/

+ Link to Viacom v YouTube District Court decision: http://www.scribd.com/doc/136780319/Youtube

13. UMG Wins Copyright Ruling in Case Against Grooveshark: http://variety.com/2013/music/news/umg-wins-copyright-ruling-in-case-against-grooveshark-1200410119/

14. PRIVACY AND SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE AGE OF BIG DATA – Report of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (House of Commons, Canada): http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/HOC/Committee/411/ETHI/Reports/RP6094136/411_ETHI_Rpt05_PDF/411_ETHI_Rpt05-e.pdf

15. Ex-Google ad engineer fights back against advertisers with anti-tracking software: http://www.theverge.com/2013/4/16/4232370/ex-google-ad-engineer-fights-back-against-advertisers-with-anti

16. Why You’ll Soon Be Paying Sales Taxes on All of Your Internet Purchases–Amazon v. NY Taxation Department: http://blog.ericgoldman.org/archives/2013/04/why_youll_soon.htm

17. The Google Shortcut to Trademark Law – Lisa Larrimore Ouellette: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2195989

jon

“scripted” Issue on Post Mortem Privacy

scripted is a journal of law, technology & society available online. The most current issue has post mortem privacy as its theme, a subject that came up in class particularly in Week 5’s talk and thereafter. For anyone doing a paper trenching on the territory and indeed for anyone interested here is a direct link to the issue: http://script-ed.org/?page_id=32

jon

News of the Week; April 17, 2013

1. ‘Free’ Web And App Games Investigated: http://news.sky.com/story/1077099/free-web-and-app-games-investigated

+ OFT’s investigation of UK free to play games and children: a step into the unknown?: http://www.osborneclarke.co.uk/publications/sectors/digital-business/alert/free-to-play-games-investigation.aspx

2. NJ Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Ban Non-Existent ‘Mature Rated’ Public Arcade Gameshttp://www.gamepolitics.com/2013/04/15/nj-lawmaker-proposes-bill-ban-non-existent-mature-rated-public-arcade-games#.UW2c6L9C5Lw

3. Antitrust complaint against Android is an attack on open source: http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/04/opinion-antitrust-complaint-against-android-is-an-attack-on-open-source/

4. 56 percent of all patent lawsuits are made by patent trolls: http://www.zdnet.com/56-percent-of-all-patent-lawsuits-are-made-by-patent-trolls-7000013896/

5. A look at the Bitcoin network transaction history: http://www.technollama.co.uk/a-look-at-the-bitcoin-network-transaction-history

6. Why are lawyers deciding on munchkins’ hairstyles? The Wizard of Oz and copyright: http://www.ipwhiteboard.com.au/why-are-lawyers-deciding-on-munchkins-hairstyles-the-wizard-of-oz-and-copyright/

7. Australia To Propose Copyright Reform That Includes Fair Use: http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130412/16590422698/australia-to-propose-copyright-reform-that-includes-fair-use.shtml?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

8. New Book On The History Of Music, Copyright And Piracy Shows How Copyright Tends To Hold Back Music: http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130410/07134322658/new-book-history-music-copyright-piracy-shows-how-copyright-tends-to-hold-back-music.shtml?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

9. Google’s New Inactive Account Manager Gives You Control Over Your Digital Afterlife: http://techcrunch.com/2013/04/11/googles-afterlife/

jon

News of the Week; April 10, 2013

1. Zynga launches real-money online gambling, stock price surges: http://arstechnica.com/business/2013/04/zynga-launches-real-money-online-gambling-stock-price-surges/

2. Misogyny, Sexism, And Why RPS Isn’t Shutting Up: http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/04/06/misogyny-sexism-and-why-rps-isnt-shutting-up/

3. Dancing girls and industry evolution: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-04-05-dancing-girls-and-industry-evolution?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=european-daily

4. Minecraft, Scrolls, 0X10C: The Past, Present and Future of Mojang as Seen Through Notch’s Eyes: http://www.polygon.com/2013/4/5/4183864/minecraft-scrolls-0x10c-the-past-present-and-future-of-mojang-as-seen#

5. Sen. Dianne Feinstein Talks Guns and Games at San Francisco Gatheringhttp://www.gamepolitics.com/2013/04/04/sen-dianne-feinstein-talks-guns-and-games-san-francisco-gathering#.UWH7Lr_R1Lw

6. Video Game Lobby Steers Gun Violence Debate Away: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/09/video-game-lobby_n_3046533.html

7. The Psychological Appeal of Violent Shooters: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-04-08-the-psychological-appeal-of-violent-shooters?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=european-daily

8. Patent troll Lodsys sues 10 mobile game makers, despite Apple’s intervention:  http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/04/patent-troll-lodsys-sues-10-mobile-game-makers-despite-apples-intervention/

9. Sega forced to admit wrongdoing in Alien: Colonial Marines advertising: http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/04/sega-forced-to-admit-wrongdoing-in-alien-colonial-marines-advertising/

10. Microsoft creative director: ‘I don’t get the drama’ over ‘always-on’ Xbox rumors: http://www.theverge.com/2013/4/5/4185938/adam-orth-speaks-on-required-internet-connection-for-durango-rumors

11. Cancer, The Video Gamehttp://kotaku.com/cancer-the-video-game-471333034

12. Crown bound by Copyright Act: Manitoba v Access Copyright: http://www.barrysookman.com/2013/04/05/crown-bound-by-copyright-act-goverment-of-manitoba-and-access-copyright/

13. Google Immunized for Its Search Results–Mmubango v. Google: http://blog.ericgoldman.org/archives/2013/04/google_immunize.htm

14. In our digital world you don’t own stuff, you just license it: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/apr/05/digital-media-licensed-not-owned

15. Beyond the Patents-Prizes Debate by Daniel Hemel, Lisa Ouellette: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2245691

jon

U.S. Predators Use Video Games To Lure Canadian Kids

U.S. Predators Use Video Games To Lure Canadian Kids: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/04/02/canada-internet-luring-video-games_n_2997128.html

State of the Video Game Industry Town Hall – April 16

Our terrific camera-person Saeed  suggested that some in the class might be interested in attending Digi BC’s free “State of the Video Game Industry Town Hall – Part 2: The Future” on April 16 @ 6 P.M. at The Hive. Details in the link below: Digital Media News & Events from DigiBC.

jon (for Saeed)

News of the Week; April 3, 2013

1. Immigrant Uses Xbox Live History To Gain Legal Residency: http://www.gamepolitics.com/2013/03/26/immigrant-uses-xbox-live-history-gain-legal-residency#.UVnYC7_R1Lw

2. Iowa State Rearchers Find Link Between Juvenile Offenders and Playing Violent Video Games: http://www.gamepolitics.com/2013/03/27/iowa-state-researchers-find-link-between-juvenile-offenders-and-playing-violent-video-gam#.UVnYs7_R1Lw

3. What would you do if you weren’t afraid?: http://meagan-marie.tumblr.com/post/46396481491/what-would-you-do-if-you-werent-afraid

4. Turning the tables on trolls: ‘Tropes vs. Women’ creator talks harassment at GDC: http://www.theverge.com/2013/3/28/4157748/anita-sarkeesian-talks-about-harassment-at-gdc

5. Banner & Witcoff secures win for Wargaming.net: http://www.patentarcade.com/2013/03/banner-witcoff-secures-win-for.html?m=1

6. A Setback for Resellers of Digital Products: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/02/business/media/redigi-loses-suit-over-reselling-of-digital-music.html?nl=technology&emc=edit_tu_20130402

+ link to U.S. District Court decision in Capitol Records, LLC v. ReDigi Inc.http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/threatlevel/2013/04/redigiruling.pdf

7. Aereo Wins a Court Battle, Dismaying Broadcasters: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/02/business/media/aereo-wins-in-appeals-court-setting-stage-for-trial-on-streaming-broadcast-tv.html

+ link to USCA decision in WNET v. Aereo, Inc. http://www.ca2.uscourts.gov/decisions/isysquery/2a55b1d7-8f1b-46df-9a0d-82d36c31ed06/1/doc/12-2786_12-2807_complete_opn.pdf#xml=http://www.ca2.uscourts.gov/decisions/isysquery/2a55b1d7-8f1b-46df-9a0d-82d36c31ed06/1/hilite/

8. New York Court Upholds Sales Tax for Online Retailers: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/29/technology/amazon-and-overstock-lose-challenge-to-online-sales-tax.html nl=technology&emc=edit_tu_20130329&_r=0

9. Now THIS is how to write your startup’s Terms of Servicehttp://thenextweb.com/insider/2013/03/29/now-this-is-how-to-write-a-terms-of-service-document/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+TheNextWeb+(The+Next+Web+All+Stories)

10. Letting Down Our Guard With Web Privacy: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/31/technology/web-privacy-and-how-consumers-let-down-their-guard.html?nl=technology&emc=edit_tu_20130401&_r=1&

11. Entire library journal editorial board resigns, citing ‘crisis of conscience’ after death of Aaron Swartz: http://mobile.theverge.com/2013/3/26/4149752/library-journal-resigns-for-open-access-citing-aaron-swartz

12. Copyright Ruling Rings With Echo of Betamax: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/27/business/in-a-copyright-ruling-the-lingering-legacy-of-the-betamax.html?nl=technology&emc=edit_tu_20130327&_r=1&

And in the not really relevant category:

13. Lindt loses German case over Easter bunny trademark: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/28/us-lindt-bunnies-ruling-idUSBRE92R0CU20130328

jon