NPR's All Things Considered ran an interview with the LA City Attorney who is trying to use "intellectual property law" to influence the way upcoming CBS and NBC television shows portray the police and fire departments.
Although he denies wanting editorial control (influence), Rocky Delgadillo hopes his strategy will set an example of how cities can protect their image while collecting royalties for their taxpayers.
4 minute interview (.ram file format)
This case is interesting because it demonstrates a distinction between creative rights and "intellectual property".
Some lawyers start to sound like royal knights who protect the "honour" of their corporate sovereigns.
Homer Simpson's dueling glove entitled him to all sorts of privleges (at least for the first half of the episode).
Homer: Oh that's it. You insulted my honour! I demand satisfaction. I challenge you to a duel!
Moe: A duel? Isn't that a little extreme? Here, here, have a free beer. Homer: Really? But you've never given anyone a free beer. Moe: Yeah, ain't never been slapped with no duelling glove either.
Intellectual Property Laws are not always bad. Trademarks can prevent consumers from being confused by misleading labels. The problem arises when those demanding "royalties" expect to be treated like "royalty". #
