Erin Ranahan Interview

LAWSUIT PRIMER Get an overview of the copyright lawsuit, including a timeline of the case, as well as downloadable pleadings made by the plaintiffs, CBS and Paramount, and defendants Alec Peters and Axanar Productions Inc. » Lawsuit Primer

Axanar attorney‭ Erin Ranahan gave an interview published January 26, 2016, to Crain’s Chicago Business journal‭, ‬in which she explained why her firm‭, Winston & Strawn, ‬took on the case pro bono (i.e‭., ‬not charging for the attorneys‭’ ‬time‭):‬

Axanar’s pro bono attorney, Erin Ranahan
‬Ranahan’s practice focuses on copyright‭, ‬new media‭, ‬entertainment‭, ‬trademark‭, ‬right of publicity and false-advertising litigation‭. ‬The firm took the case “to get great experience‭, ‬get good exposure and hopefully help shape the law,” she said‭.‬‭1)

Avenues for Defense

Ranahan told the Chicago paper she saw two possible avenues for Axanar’s defense:

Axanar’s defense hinges on two key legal points‭, ‬Ranahan said‭: fair use and waiver. Fair use doctrine allows works to be reproduced without obtaining permission under certain circumstances related to the nature of the work‭, ‬how much is copied and how it affects the work’s market value‭.

‬The issue of waiver arises because Paramount and CBS‭, ‬which own the‭ “‬Star Trek‭” ‬copyrights‭, ‬have historically tolerated fan-generated work not produced for profit‭, ‬including a short film put out by Axanar Productions‭.‬

Keywords

This website uses cookies. By using the website, you agree with storing cookies on your computer. Also you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree leave the website.More information about cookies