** Reply to note from splgh@primenet.com 07/20/95 08:39am -0700
I have heard rumours that West intends to relinquish its copyright claims to
opinions and cites.
Any truth to these?
Regards,
John lederer
Chair, Tech Resource Committee, State B
> On 7/17/95, Brian Smith (BLSJDRP@delphi.com) asked:
> >As I read statements from Schatz Paquin (A a law firm who
> >represents West Publishing), West's position seems to be that
> >lawyers have a fair use permit to photocopy individual cases
> >from West reporters. Does this mean that under the Texaco
> >decision, lawyers who copy a coase -- let's say an attorney
> >zaps off a copy of a case in her area of expertise when the
> >N.E.2d advance sheet crossers her desk, and files it for
> >later reference -- have no legal defense and are relying only
> >on hthe kindness of West not to sue for copyright violations?
>
> Fair use _is_ a legal defense, not an affirmative right. As such, it comes
> into play only when an otherwise valid infringement claim is made.
>
> Generally speaking, West does not object to subscribers making and
> appropriately using for review, research, provision to clients or courts,
> and similar purposes, "convenience copies" of West case reports from the
> West Reporters they subscribe to.
>
> If any subscriber is in doubt about whether any particular planned copying
> and use goes beyond the foregoing, it is easy to seek permission for the
> specific intended copying and use. Simply write to Donna Gies, Permissions
> Attorney, West Publishing Company, by mail at 610 Opperman Drive, Eagan, MN
> 55123; or by fax at 612/687-7551.
>
> Jim Schatz
>
> Schatz Paquin Lockridge Grindal & Holstein
> (of which West Publishing is a client)
> splgh@primenet.com
ar of Wisconsin
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