Update on NFL's Panties: Still Bunched

Matt Buchanan — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 18:37:48 EST

Responding to what happened a couple days ago, churches around the country have put the kibbosh on "traditional" Super Bowl parties while the NFL continues to put the fear out, "standing by its interpretation of copyright law." Apparently, enough private homeowners are worried about Ray Lewis busting down their door that Slate came to the rescue, explaining the "copyright law" the NFL keeps referring to.

The 55-inch limit cited by the NFL applies only to public showings of the Super Bowl, not private gatherings. According to U.S. copyright law, Josh is in the clear so long as he doesn't take his gigantic TV to a public place, or invite "a substantial number of persons" to his house—more than a normal circle of family and social acquaintances.

While the Explainer goes on to say that "you can show the game to a big crowd, provided you're not charging people" and are showing it on "a single receiving apparatus of a kind commonly used in private homes," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said that even admission-free "mass out-of-home viewings" are a no-no, and they will bust your ass. Hard.

So basically you should watch the game at home on your own big-ass TV, but don't tell anybody about it. Or better yet, watch it with your eyes closed. – Matt Buchanan

The (Super Bowl) party's over [IndyStar]
Is My Super Bowl Party Illegal? [Slate]

Australian Copyright: Worse than U.S. by Far

Charlie White — Fri, 19 May 2006 11:50:44 EDT

If you're getting as pissed at the RIAA as we are, don't feel so bad, it could be worse. You should see the way things are in Australia. For years it's been illegal to record TV shows using a VCR in that country, but at least now things have loosened up a bit. Australian lawmakers created a new copyright law that says the Aussies can legally record a TV or radio show, but now they must destroy that copy after watching or listening to it once.

WTF? Do they mean burn, shred, fold, spindle and mutilate it? Were doubting there's one single person in that country who follows this goofy law. And you thought the U.S. system was bad.

Australians Can Legally Watch Tapes Only Once [The Consumerist]

Gizmodo: copyright law

Update on NFL's Panties: Still Bunched

Australian Copyright: Worse than U.S. by Far