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[mojobadshah]

On another thread it was pointed out to me that non-profit organizations can be held liable for infringment.  I would assume that this would apply ro religous institutions as well.  But what I'd also like to know if a religous institution has ever been charged for infringment when it comes to using/ performing someone elses copyrighted expressions.

[Zonath]

A quick search on Google Scholar turned up Worldwide Church of God v. Philadelphia Church of God, 227 F.3d 1110 (2000)., in which one church sued another for the use of a copyrighted book which was copied without the copyright holder's permission and used in religious observance.  The court found that the infringing church didn't have a valid fair use defense.

http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=1847543716100356974&q=religious+organization+%22copyright+infringement%22&hl=en&as_sdt=3,38

That's just the one that popped out at me on a cursory search.  I'm sure there are probably more.

[JSonnabend]

What would exempt religious institutions from infringement law?

- Jeff

[chugan]

Yes.  There are several organizations which handle licensing for praise/worship/religious purposes.  Think about it--webcasts, podcasts, cable TV, DVD sales, printed lyrics, etc.  Gotta get those songs cleared!

Chris

http://nashbillies.wordpress.com