This commentary from Congress reveals that database protection and the pending Antipiracy Act should be carefully analyzed because there are numerous economic and societal issues at stake. The commentary depicts both the pros and cons of passing the Antipiracy Act in regards to collections of information, otherwise known as databases.

            One side of the argument points out that a large amount of time, money and effort is needed when an author constructs a database. Then it mentions, with today’s technologies, whole databases can be copied with one click of the mouse. Additionally, a negative outcome of this will be the creation of fewer databases by owners because of the risks of their works being stolen or copied.

            On the other hand, the commentary also notes the opposing side. Here, it states that over-protection is extremely dangerous because it may prevent the free-flow of information. This will put limitations on the availability of works and ideas. This, in turn, hinders the progress of culture, technology, and, most importantly, knowledge.

            The goal stated in the commentary from Congress is to restore the protection policy of databases without completely restricting the flow of information. This would require some application of the “sweat of the brow” theory, as well. Basically, their goal is to find the healthy medium between these two arguments. Additionally, at the conclusion of the note, it states that the Copyright Office believes that the Antipiracy Act is a positive piece of legislation, and that it will aid in promoting more information to the public.

            This is pertinent to the project because it accounts for both sides of the issue concerning copyright protection, as well as describing the Antipiracy Act, which would definitely have a huge impact on the fantasy baseball case if passed. It clearly points out the implications of, both over-protection, and no protection. This helps to establish the importance of database listings.

This journal article is focused on the growing popularity of fantasy sports and the resulting issues with intellectual property. Included is a detailed report of the legal doctrines and concerns regarding the ownership of statistics. It states that fantasy leagues are present in almost every sport, from regulars like baseball and football, to the oddities of wrestling and bass fishing. This shows how well-rounded the world of fantasy sports is, and how it is a bigger issue than just baseball. Another one of the main issues discussed is about how online fantasy leagues have become an obsession in our society, and also that the professional leagues have realized how profitable online leagues are. From this, it states that these pro organizations seek to gain control over the fantasy operations because they want to make the money themselves.

            Furthermore, a main debate mentioned in the article is whether or not players’ names and stats are the intellectual property of professional leagues. Along with this comes the issue of licensing. One thing that stuck out is the mentioned implications of the licensing. If this continues, then the number of fantasy leagues will most likely greatly decrease, and subsequently, fees will increase, causing professional sports organizations to gain more money and power unrightfully.

            A crucial point of the journal article is the in depth explanation of the mechanics and history of fantasy leagues. This is essential to understanding the above mentioned dilemmas with the law. Accordingly, the article discusses another very important issue: the right of publicity. With this comes a discussion of the First Amendment’s role in determining intellectual property in relation to statistics. Lastly, this also includes recommendations for the courts for how they should deal with fantasy sports litigation.