Re: Tricky copyright issue dealing with corp letters

Subject: Re: Re: Tricky copyright issue dealing with corp letters

Comments:
: : I have a situation where a corporate publishing company is threatening my ISP to remove certain letters from my website or else be shutdown. Let me give you a little background information on what is happening. : : I acquired internal, corporate letters which were sent to unpaid, volunteer "elders" in a church. The letters are sent to these "elders" throughout the world, varying slightly in wording due to geographical circumstances. The letters contain instructions on how to handle internal affairs within the church and how to deal with other matters pertaining to the faith. I posted scanned images of these letters on my website, http://www.dirtclod.com. These letters are not available to the general public - only to elders within the church. For reference, you can view one of these letters here: : : http://www.dirtclod.com/1997_08_01.png : : Most letters contain very similar information on a wide range of topics. The letter my ISP received can be found here: http://www.dirtclod.com/copyright.html along with some ranting made by myself. :-) : : Are there any legal loopholes that can be used to get around this? Would the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society(aka Jehovah's Witnesses) have to provide more specific details on this alleged copyright infringement? Or is there noting I can do except bow to their wishes? : : Many thanks for any information on this matter. : Dear Dirtclod, : The information cannot be protected by copyright. The mode of expression can be protected. If what you copied did not have a valid copyright notice and was not registered then, it is my belief that you cannot be stopped insofar as the letters. : M. Arthur Auslander : Auslander & Thomas-Intellectual Property Law Since 1909 : 3008 Johnson Ave., New York, NY 10463 : 7185430266, aus@auslander.com : ELAINE's Workshop® : E arly L egal A dvice I s N ot E xpensive™ : Reality Check®

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