It’s a big day in the copyright world.  Golan v. Holder was decided today by the Supreme Court.  See 2012 WL 125436.  Supreme Court oral arguments are at 2011 WL 4593952.  Find the “Petitions, Briefs, and Filings” links on either document for related court documents.

SOPA RESISTANCE DAY

In addition, today is SOPA resistance day.  Several internet companies are protesting two anti-piracy bills by going dark:

The two bills are the “Stop Online Piracy Act” (HR 3261) and the “PROTECT IP Act” (S. 968) .  Westlaw/WestlawNext find citations to the bill documents are 2011 Cong US S 968 and 2011 Cong US HR 3261.

The President’s recent statement in response to “We the People Petitions on SOPA and Online Piracy” might generally summarize the opposition to these bills:

While we believe that online piracy by foreign websites is a serious problem that requires a serious legislative response, we will not support legislation that reduces freedom of expression, increases cybersecurity risk, or undermines the dynamic, innovative global Internet.

2012 wL 114502

Despite waning support for these bills, Nate Anderson of Ars Technica reported that November’s Congressional hearings were stacked ‘hugely’ in favor of those advocating adoption. The transcripts are interesting to read.  On Westlaw, try a query for, SOPA,  in the USPOLTRANS database.