Bifalgorithm post · Property · 13.05[E][4][c], p. 13-84 (1982). Proof of actual harm, or
512
512 (Property · 13.05[E][4][c], p. 13-84 (1982). Proof of actual harm, or) — "512 … . The parties and many of the amici in this case think the key to resolving…
Ideas in this flowchart
- The case concerns how the Sony rule applies to Grokster and StreamCast.
- The central issue is what makes a product capable of commercially significant noninfringing uses.
- MGM argues that the lower court gave too much weight to innovative technology and too little to copyrights infringed by users.
- About 90% of the works available on one network were shown to be copyrighted.
- MGM treats the remaining 10% as insufficient to constitute a substantial noninfringing use.
- MGM asks the Court to hold that a product used principally for infringement does not qualify under Sony.
- Grokster and StreamCast respond that their software supports significant lawful uses.
- Their software can reproduce public domain works, and some copyright holders encourage copying.
- They argue that lawful uses will remain significant and grow even if infringement is currently predominant.
- The Court agrees that the Court of Appeals misapplied the Sony rule.
- Sony bars secondary liability when infringement intent is presumed solely from designing or distributing a product capable of substantial lawful use.
- The Ninth Circuit interpreted Sony too broadly, treating substantial lawful capability as an absolute bar to contributory liability.
- The Ninth Circuit applied that limitation even when independent evidence showed an actual purpose to cause infringing use.
