1. Read the edited opinion of the appeals court in the case A&M Records v. Napster(2001)(see Web site).

2. Summarize how the Napster system works.

3. The court found that that the downloading of music files is direct copyright infringement by the Napster customers. Napster argued that its customers were excused from liability for copyright infringement because the downloading was “fair use”.

i. Define “fair use”; and

ii. Summarize why the court rejected the “fair use” argument

4. The court found that it was likely that Napster is responsible for “contributory infringement” and vicarious infringement” (rather than direct infringement).

i. Define “contributory infringement”;

ii. Define “vicarious infringement”; and

Describe the difference between the two.

Computer Ethics is a course taught for the CS/IS Department at Kennesaw State University by Ann K. Moceyunas

Last updated: August 25, 2002. Opinions expressed on this website are those of the author, Ann K. Moceyunas. Certain Portions Copyright © 1996 -2002 Moceyunas P.C. All rights reserved. Have Questions? Contact Ann Moceyunas at ann@moceyunas.com.