The IPKat presents the first in an occasional new series, which Merpel has insisted that he name “Kitty Litter”. This aim of this series is to bring misunderstandings of intellectual property to the attention of readers.
The first example of such a misunderstanding assailed the ears of IPKat blogmeister Ilanah while listening to Thought for the Day, Radio 4’s morning pseudo-theology slot. Anne “Agony” Atkins, former agony aunt for the Daily Telegraph began her tirade against over-regulation with the words
For the last few weeks our daughter has been teaching our two year old the first strains of Once in Royal David's City. The slightly optimistic idea behind this is that Rosalie will melt the heart of the neighbourhood when we go carol singing. But alas, there's to be no more good cheer in exchange for a mug of punch or mince pie. Though we've never accepted money, we might now need a Live Performance Licence to sing carols in public - probably applied for in triplicate last February.
Anne Atkins - her words will have IP lawyers in agony
The IPKat points out that Ms Atkins is rallying against a man of straw. Once in Royal David’s City was written in 1848 and set to music in 1849. Like many carols, it is well out of copyright and no one can use copyright law to stop her daughter from singing her heart out.
The IPKat invites readers to send him other examples of flawed understanding of IP for posting.