The rapidly changing technologies regulated by intellectual property law –among them computer and Internet technologies – are the source of debates on various legal issues, in particular issues related to copyright. In the following listening exercise, you will hear a discussion on the topic of the use of copyrighted material for educational purposes. An American junior lawyer named Thomas has been assigned to shadow two senior lawyers working on a case involving the ‘fair use’ doctrine in connection with distance learning courses. Thomas meets Patrick, the senior lawyer, and his associate, Rebecca, in Patrick’s office to begin shadowing them as they work on the case.
3. XðListen to the discussion and answer these questions.
1. How do Thomas and Rebecca describe the concept of fair use in American law?
2. According to Patrick, what is the objective of copyright law?
3. Who does Rebecca think is in the stronger position now, copyright holders or educators?
4. According to Patrick, how many factors need to be taken into account when assessing fair use?