Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Arkansas

Copyright

I have a friend that has brought to her bosses attention that some training material that is being used by her company has been copied from copyrighted material. Approximately 90% is copied directly. The problem is when she brought this to her bosses attention, she was asked to rewrite it in her own words. She fills very uncomfortable with this and is worried she is breaking the law by doing this, but is being forced into doing this or quiting ( I guess). Is there action that can be taken against her for doing this even though she is basically being forced to do it?


Asked on 2/27/08, 8:58 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Nancy Delain Delain Law Office, PLLC

Re: Copyright

Your friend should definitely consult with an attorney who concentrates in intellectual property law. Arkansas law would dictate what action the employer can take against Friend; I can't speak to that since I'm not admitted in Arkansas. However, federal copyright law dictates what can happen with unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted materials; the original author has some pretty stiff civil penalties available to him or her. I don't know whether your friend would be personally liable under the copyright law without knowing a great deal more about the situation.

Have your friend talk with a lawyer who practices intellectual property law, including copyright, in Arkansas -- and don't delay.

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Answered on 2/28/08, 11:17 am


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