Free for a Fee

Today’s order leaves standing an earlier ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. EFF called that ruling a “strong precedent,” while at the same time acknowledging it did not go far enough.

The lawsuit originated as an attempt by EFF to hold a copyright owner accountable for what the organization viewed as a wanton disregard for user “fair use” rights. The copyright owner in question is Universal Music Group, which issued a copyright takedown notice to Stephanie Lenz after she posted a video of her then three-year-old son, Holden, dancing to the Prince song “Let’s Go Crazy.” Universal is the copyright owner of “Let’s Go Crazy.”