In a recent 3-2 vote, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) came out in favor of Net Neutrality. This name was given to the principle that all web traffic must be treated equally without restriction or limitation on the content individuals can access. The decision marks the first time the commission has taken up enforceable rules to direct the web.

The reason why such an issue had to be decided after 5 years of controversy has to do with bandwidth and the First Amendment of the Constitution. The First Amendment was enacted partly to ensure free flow of information. However, because Internet service providers (ISPs) have limited bandwidth, they were seeking to designate more to some web-sites

while reducing user access to others. This was seen as a substantial impediment to the free flow of information that called for government intervention.

Some copyright holders (such as

those in the entertainment industry) were hoping ISPs would block the flow of net traffic to sites that contained infringing subject matter. They believed doing so would reduce the substantial number of illegally downloaded music and movie files. It’s clear from their recent decision that the FCC does not view that as a legal way of interfering with web-based piracy. For more questions on this or other intellectual property related matters, please contact our office or friend us on facebook.

Net Neutrality and the Impact on Your Copyrights

The Great IDEA An Omni Legal Group Publication

Omn1 Do Great Ideas Grow on Trees? 12.29.10

Omni Legal Group - Helpful Advice at Affordable Prices

At the Omni legal group we strive to give useful advice our customers can afford. Don’t be fooled into thinking legal advice is unattainable at a budget.

Please contact us to schedule a free consultation at (310) 276- OMNI.

Legal Group

COPYRIGHTS How Artists can Protect their Art

12.29.10

TRADEMARKS Making sure others don’t Freeride on your Goodwill

1.12.11

CYBERLAW The Law of the Web

1.28.11