Google Loses German Copyright Cases Over Image-Search Previews - 4 views

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  #1 Li-Ling Gan on 25 Aug 09

   

  http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601204&sid=a_C1wVkCvPww
  
  Summary
  
  This case revolves around Google being sued for copyright infringement over displaying photos and artworks as thumbnails when previewing search results. Google lost two such cases as the court ruled that no matter how small the thumbnails are, no new work is being created, thus permission is required before they can be shown in search results.
  
  Ethical Questions:
  From a utilitarian point of view, can such an act still be considered unethical? Because it is possible to pose an argument that allowing such previews of thumbnails would ultimately contribute to the overall utility of the society which includes contribution to happiness or pleasure to people who get to view it. In turn, would it thus be considered unethical to restrict such actions of people and take away this possible source of enjoyment.
  
  From an opposite point of view, we can also loot at it from the viewpoint of ethical egoism. Following this train of thought, the focus would be placed on self-interest before society. The revenue that could be earned from the artist would then be more important then the social benefit that could be gained from spreading his art, thus it would be considered ethical to impose copyright restrictions on his work.

   

  <div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner"><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601204&sid=a_C1wVkCvPww" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601204&sid=a_C1wVkCvPww</a> <br /> <br /> Summary <br /> <br /> This case revolves around Google being sued for copyright infringement over displaying photos and artworks as thumbnails when previewing search results. Google lost two such cases as the court ruled that no matter how small the thumbnails are, no new work is being created, thus permission is required before they can be shown in search results. <br /> <br /> Ethical Questions: <br /> From a utilitarian point of view, can such an act still be considered unethical? Because it is possible to pose an argument that allowing such previews of thumbnails would ultimately contribute to the overall utility of the society which includes contribution to happiness or pleasure to people who get to view it. In turn, would it thus be considered unethical to restrict such actions of people and take away this possible source of enjoyment. <br /> <br /> From an opposite point of view, we can also loot at it from the viewpoint of ethical egoism. Following this train of thought, the focus would be placed on self-interest before society. The revenue that could be earned from the artist would then be more important then the social benefit that could be gained from spreading his art, thus it would be considered ethical to impose copyright restrictions on his work.</div>

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