Google and Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter are publicly sparring over copyright issues. In one corner, Google’s attorney published an article arguing against “copyright lobbyists” and the use of voluntary agreements to protect copyrighted works. Google argues that the voluntary agreements won’t work because they threaten free expression and online innovation and because the voluntary process does not have checks and balances. According to Google, the copyright lobbyists are “like exes who won’t give up.”

In the other corner, Sutter responded to Google and argued for copyright protection. Sutter pointed out the hard work that goes into developing content. Without copyright protection, Sutter raises concerns about the ability for artists to protect and profit from their own work. He believes that voluntary agreements are a place to start – a way to create an open dialogue to find a solution that gives consumers access but protects the creators.

Who will win the brawl? That answer will likely depend in part on Congress and the United States Patent and Trademark Office, who are listening to arguments related to digital copyright protection.

Sources: http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2014/03/10/sopa_copyright_voluntary_agreements_hollywood_lobbyists_are_like_exes_who.html?wpisrc=burger_bar http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/technology/2014/03/sons_of_anarchy_creator_kurt_sutter_google_s_copyright_stance_is_bad_for.html

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