• Embed Doc
  • Copy Link
  • Readcast
  • Collections
  • CommentGo Back
Download
 
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURTFOR THE DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS)CAPITOL RECORDS, INC., et al.))Civil Action No. 03-cv-11661-NGPlaintiffs,)(Lead Docket Number))v.)) NOOR ALAUJUN,))Defendant.) ____________________________________))SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT,)et al.))Civil Action No. 07-cv-11446-NGPlaintiffs,)(Original Docket Number))v.))JOEL TENENBAUM,))Defendant.) ____________________________________)
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA’S MEMORANDUM IN RESPONSE TODEFENDANT’S MOTION TO DISMISS AND IN DEFENSE OF THECONSTITUTIONALITY OF THE STATUTORY DAMAGES PROVISION OF THECOPYRIGHT ACT, 17 U.S.C. § 504(c)
Case 1:03-cv-11661-NG Document 793 Filed 03/22/2009 Page 1 of 39
 
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PageINTRODUCTION...........................................................1BACKGROUND.............................................................4I.PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND....................................4.II.STATUTORY BACKGROUND.....................................6ARGUMENT...............................................................8I.THIS COURT SHOULD FIRST DETERMINE WHETHER THE CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS RAISED BY DEFENDANTCAN BE AVOIDED..............................................8II.THE COPYRIGHT ACT’S STATUTORY DAMAGES PROVISIONAPPLIES REGARDLESS OF WHETHER AN INFRINGER SEEKSCOMMERCIAL GAIN............................................9 III.THE COPYRIGHT ACT DOES NOT VIOLATE THE SEPARATIONOF POWERS DOCTRINE.........................................11A.Congress Possesses Authority To Create A Private RightOf Action To Enforce The Copyright Act........................11B.The Statutory Damages Provision Of The Copyright Act Is ACivil Remedy.............................................141.Congress Intended To Create A Civil Remedy...............152.The Copyright Act’s Statutory Damages Provision Is Not So Punitive As To Negate Congress’ Intent.............16
Case 1:03-cv-11661-NG Document 793 Filed 03/22/2009 Page 2 of 39
 
iiIV.THE COPYRIGHT ACT’S STATUTORY DAMAGES PROVISIONSATISFIES DUE PROCESS.......................................20A.Courts Examine Statutory Damages Awards Under TheStandard Articulated By The Supreme Court In
Williams
...........21B.The Copyright Act’s Statutory Damages Provision Satisfies The
Williams
Standard..........................................24VI.THE COPYRIGHT ACT’S STATUTORY DAMAGES PROVISIONDOES NOT VIOLATE THE EIGHTH AMENDMENT..................29CONCLUSION.............................................................30
Case 1:03-cv-11661-NG Document 793 Filed 03/22/2009 Page 3 of 39
of 00

Leave a Comment

You must be to leave a comment.
Submit
Characters: ...
You must be to leave a comment.
Submit
Characters: ...