Socially Aware

July 20, 2014 - Privacy, Litigation
Data for the Taking: Using the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act to Combat Web Scraping
By: Aaron P. Rubin
“Web scraping” or “web harvesting”—the practice of extracting large amounts of data from publicly available websites using automated “bots” or “spiders”—accounted for 18% of site visitors and 23% of all Internet traffic in 2013. Websites targeted by scrapers may incur damages resulting from, among
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July 15, 2014 - Copyright, UK High Court
Copyright: Europe Explores its Boundaries Part 3: “Meltwater” – EU rules that browsing does not need a licence – a victory for common sense (or for pirates)?
On 5 June 2014 the European Court of Justice (CJEU) published its decision in the “Meltwater” Case C-360/13, ( Public Relations Consultations Association Ltd (PRCA) v Newspaper Licensing Agency Ltd (NLA) and Others ). In a ruling that some have hailed as a victory
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July 11, 2014 - Cloud Computing
EU Cloud Standardisation Guidelines
By: Alistair Maughan
In November 2012, we wrote an Alert about the European Commission’s Communication on Cloud Computing intended, it said, to “… unleash the potential of cloud computing in Europe ”. Sceptics were doubtful that the cloud industry needed much help from European regulators to thrive.
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July 10, 2014 - JOBS Act
Updated JOBS Act Book
Download a free copy of our recently updated JOBS Act book. The updated book discusses emerging practices in IPOs by emerging growth companies, the new world of private offerings, accredited crowdfunding and Title III crowdfunding. You also may email us to obtain hard copies.
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July 10, 2014 - FTC, Terms of Use, Privacy, UK High Court, IP, Litigation
Hot Off the Press: The July Issue of Our Socially Aware Newsletter Is Now Available
By: Aaron P. Rubin
The latest issue of our Socially Aware newsletter is now available here. Welcome to a special privacy issue of Socially Aware , focusing on recent privacy law developments relating to social media and the Internet. In this issue, we analyze a controversial European ruling
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June 30, 2014 - SEC
Social Media and Proxy Contests
As the use of social media continues to grow, social media is likely to play an increasingly more prominent role in proxy contests. In this context, the recent Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations issued by the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance provide helpful clarifications on
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June 27, 2014 - Privacy, Wearable Computers
Google Glass Into Europe – A Small Step or a Giant Leap?
Google Glass (“Glass”) is the most high profile of the new wearable technologies that commentators predict will transform how we live and work. Until now, the Android-powered glasses were only available in the U.S. However, as of this week, Glass has been launched in
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June 25, 2014 - Copyright, IP, Litigation, Supreme Court
Supreme Court Stifles Aereo, but Tries to Keep the Cloud Away
In a closely watched case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled today in a 6-3 decision that Aereo’s Internet streaming service engages in unauthorized public performances of broadcast television programs in violation of the Copyright Act, reversing the Second Circuit’s decision in American Broadcasting Companies,
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June 24, 2014 - DMCA, Copyright, Litigation
Court Holds That DMCA Safe Harbor Does Not Extend to Infringement Prior to Designation of Agent
By: Aaron P. Rubin
The safe harbor provisions in § 512(c) of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) provide a mechanism that insulates online service providers from monetary damages for infringing materials posted or stored by their users. To receive this protection, service providers must designate an agent
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June 17, 2014 - Financial Institutions
Bitcoins, Big Headaches? Hazards Abound for Companies Seeking to Accept Bitcoin
From our sister blog, MoFo Tech : The Bitcoin “Cryptocurrency” has gained momentum in the market, and some businesses, including Overstock. com and TigerDirect.com, now accept bitcoins as payment. Many others are wondering if Bitcoin is a good fit for them—and they should factor
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