Google may have been caught “redhanded,” but a federal judge rules that Genius hasn’t alleged any viable claims not preempted by copyright law. “Plaintiff’s claim is preempted by the Copyright Act because, at its core, it is a claim that Defendants created an unauthorized reproduction of Plaintiff’s derivative work, which is itself conduct that violates an exclusive right of the copyright owner under federal copyright law.”
Jukin Launches Self-Service Platform Allowing Anyone To License Its Videos, Starting At $50
Jukin Media, which licenses user-generated viral videos, is opening its trove of more than 65,000 clips to the public at large. Today, the company is officially launching a self-service program tailored to individual creators, digital publishers, and influencers who are creating content remotely amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Amazon to incorporate podcasts into Amazon Music, Audible
Amazon will incorporate free podcasts into its Amazon Music and Audible products, according to a confidential email distributed to some show producers on Monday. The email, a copy of which was obtained by The Desk, said Amazon would soon allow users of Amazon Music and Audible to subscribe, download and stream free podcasts using each service.
Source: Amazon to incorporate podcasts into Amazon Music, Audible
Universal signs two major deals in China – as it launches new label with Tencent Music
Universal Music Group has signed two important, direct licensing deals in China – one with Tencent Music Entertainment, and the other with TME’s biggest competitor, NetEase Cloud Music. In addition to announcing these deals today (August 10), UMG has also taken the wraps off a new as-yet-unnamed JV label, which it is launching with TME.
Source: Universal signs two major deals in China – as it launches new label with Tencent Music
Music Rights Awareness Foundation and WIPO Join Forces to Raise Awareness of IP Rights For Creators
Under the agreement announced on Monday between Sweden-based Music Right Awareness and WIPO, a United Nations agency, the partners will form a “WIPO for Creators” consortium that will organize activities that raise awareness of intellectual property rights.
Source: Music Rights Awareness Foundation and WIPO Join Forces to Raise Awareness of IP Rights For Creators
AI Can Almost Write Like a Human—and More Advances Are Coming
Source: AI Can Almost Write Like a Human—and More Advances Are Coming
After a Flop, Amazon Makes Another Foray Into Video Games
With Twitch Prime, people got a free subscription to Twitch, the Amazon-owned livestreaming site, with free games from small studios and unique, in-game equipment and discounts for larger titles like Grand Theft Auto and League of Legends. Prime Gaming will expand those benefits and offer more titles and content, but will no longer require a Twitch account for access.
Source: After a Flop, Amazon Makes Another Foray Into Video Games
How Blockchain Could Transform the Art Industry
If people are not allowed to leave their homes or attend big events, then what is left of the business models of exhibitions, art fairs and auctions? Everyone in the industry is now aware that the art market as we know it will never return. Digital tools can help us overcome restrictions on physical operations.
Source: Q&A: How Blockchain Could Transform the Art Industry
Appeal Ruling on Publisher Royalty Rate Hike Looks Like it Favors Digital Services Contentions: Sources
Spotify, Amazon, Pandora and YouTube have been handed a procedural victory on their appeal to a 44% royalty rate increase for songwriters and publishers, sources tell Billboard. The U.S. Court of Appeals in D.C. that reviewed the digital services’ appeal on the Copyright Royalty Board’s (CRB) mechanical rate determination has thrown out the rate structure cobbled together by a majority of the board’s three judges.
Twitter expressed interest in buying TikTok’s U.S. operations
Twitter Inc has approached TikTok’s Chinese owner ByteDance to express interest in acquiring the U.S. operations of the video-sharing app, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as experts raised doubts over Twitter’s ability to put together financing for a potential deal.
Source: Twitter expressed interest in buying TikTok’s U.S. operations