From the printing press, to the photocopy machine, to the VCR, to Napster, all were innovations that fundamentally changed the means by which information was shared. Each of these inventions also profoundly threatened the intellectual property protections afforded to content owners during their time. All but Napster survived. The latest in that long line of historic innovations is peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing via the Internet. In its landmark decision of MGM v. Grokster, the U.S. Supreme Court has weighed in on the future of P2P networks and again addressed the precarious balance between copyright protection and permissible innovation.

Foley attorneys Russell Beck and Mark J. Diliberti will discuss Grokster and its practical implications for developed and developing technologies and copyright holders, including:

• The line between copyright protection and permissible innovation
• The Supreme Court's “inducement” theory of copyright liability and what constitutes unlawful conduct
• The state of contributory and vicarious liability theories for copyright infringement
• The effects of the Grokster decision on existing copyrights and technological innovation
• Traps for unwary developers and distributors of new technologies and how to avoid them
• Best practices for the protection of intellectual property in the wake of Grokster

To participate, simply log on and attend this interactive program from the convenience of your own office. Instructions for accessing the Web Conference will be provided upon registration. Space is limited, so please register now. Foley will apply for CLE credit after the Web Conference.