Washington - A trade group made up of Internet and technology firms including Microsoft, Google and Yahoo has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against a number of sports leagues, broadcasters and publishers, arguing the copyright holders have long misrepresented their rights through deceptive and threatening statements to consumers.

The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) filed the complaint on behalf of consumers against Major League Baseball, the National Football League, NBC Universal, DreamWorks, Harcourt and Penguin Group.

"Every one of us has seen or heard that copyright warning at the beginning of a sports game, DVD or book," said CCIA president and CEO Ed Black.

"Such tactics represent an assault on free expression and force consumers to continually forgo lawful activities to which they are entitled under federal law and the Constitution."

The CCIA complaint alleges a nationwide pattern of unfair and deceptive trade practices exhibited by the companies named, and claims that "evidence suggests that consumers are confused about their rights to use legally acquired media and forego the use of legitimate products and services out of confusion or fear."

Related Links:
http://www.ccianet.org/artmanager/publish/news/FTC_copyright_complaint.shtml

http://www.defendfairuse.org