Baker Marquart Wins “Landmark” Copyright Decision

“Huge,” “landmark,” “legal earthquake” and “shocking” were all terms used by the media to describe Baker Marquart’s recent summary judgment victory on behalf of FilmOn over the major television networks. Using arguments advanced by those same networks in an earlier phase of the case, Baker Marquart was able to demonstrate that the Copyright Act’s plain language entitles Internet-based services to a compulsory license under Section 111, provided that those services meet certain requirements. The ruling, which was widely applauded by consumer interest groups, paves the way for greater public access to network television over the Internet.