Final Project: Rule of Law

1.       Can a company be sued for using a famous punch line to represent for their company even if the punch line being used isn't documented for copyright protection?

Yes, especially if the punch line is attributable to a specific person or entity.  For example, comedians have a copy right to the materials he/she created.  Whether they actually copyright their respective comedic material is up to them, but rest assured if someone is using another’s material for personal gain, it is likely that a lawsuit will ensue. 

During the interview I asked Madeline this question because in class we talked about how famous punch lines are now being used on pornographic films and student films etc.  I asked this question again because even though I knew the answer I wanted to hear a different opinion.   During our interview we also discussed  copyrights, domains, patent laws, and infringement.

"Infringement of a copyright can be treated as a federal crime under the Copyright Act if it is done intentionally and with full knowledge that an infringement is occurring."

Patent, Copyright & Trademark pg. 243

"In 2008, a district court ruled that prior to requesting a take down notice, a copyright owner must consider the likelihood of a claim use." 

Patent, Copyright & Trademark pg. 253

" How long a copyright last in the United States depends on when the work covered by the copyright was first created or published." 

Patent, Copyright & Trademark pg. 255