name: Winnie copyright infringement case
Court: Supreme court of japan 2011 Defendant: Koneko Plaintiff: Prosecutor
Facts 1. The defendant developed a program which other can use to violate copyrights 2. The defendant knew about the copyright violations because he received a feedback on the use of the program
Legal issue Can a developer be responsible for the program used to violate copyrights? Prosecution must prove that the defendant intentionally induced an infringement
Decision Court acquitted the defendant
Reasons Program was value neutral The user must bear responsibility It is important for the technological development that the developer receives the feedback The rights of copyright holders must be balanced against the benefit of the public in the development of technology
Conclusion I agree with the decision The copyright owners have enough money already The law must take into account the interests of ordinary users