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In July 2006, a reporter for the Santa Barbara News-Press wrote an article describing what occurred in the paper's newsroom the day a handful of top editors resigned. The story never made the paper; instead, the Independent got a hold of a draft and posted it on its website. The parent company of the News-Press then sued the Independent in federal court for copyright infringement. A federal judge yesterday indicated he was inclined to rule that the Independent did indeed infringe the News-Press' copyright on the article, the Santa Barbara Daily Sound reports. However, he expressed concern that the case was even brought to court, according to blogger Craig Smith, saying that while it did appear there had been a "technical" violation of copyright laws, he was at a loss to see what the damages or harm could possibly be. The judge also said that the doctrine of "fair use" would not provide a sufficient defense for the Independent. He said he will issue a final ruling after more thought on the case.

Continue ReadingCopyright Case Against Santa Barbara Independent Moves Forward

Julie Lyons, also known as "Bible Girl," announced yesterday that she's leaving the paper in January to write a book loosely based on her 1992 story "My Life as a Holy Roller" -- her first assignment at the Observer. "When I leave, I'm sure I'll write a long, meandering post about some of the strange and wonderful experiences I've had here over the years, but for now, that's all," Lyons writes. "I will continue writing for the Observer in some capacity. Bible Girl isn't ready to hang up her cape just yet."

Continue ReadingDallas Observer Editor is Stepping Down to Write Book

Special prosecutor Dennis Wilenchik has previously said that he did not know who sent Maricopa County sheriff's deputies to pick up Michael Lacey and Jim Larkin earlier this month after they revealed the Phoenix New Times was the target of a grand jury probe. But on Friday, a police spokesman said that the arrests were ordered by M. Rob Somers, an attorney at Wilenchik's firm and one of four attorneys at the firm deputized by County Attorney Andrew Thomas to be special prosecutors, the East Valley Tribune reports. "Is Wilenchik the Sgt. Schultz of the Arizona bar?," asks New Times' Stephen Lemons, referring to the famed Hogan's Heroes character. "He knows noth-ink, NOTH-INK about what's going on in his own office with highly-paid attorneys under his direction?"

Continue ReadingOrder to Arrest VVM Executives Came from Special Prosecutor’s Office

After hearing arguments on SF Weekly's three motions for summary judgment, Superior Court Judge Richard A. Kramer ruled Thursday that the San Francisco Bay Guardian's predatory pricing lawsuit against the Weekly and Village Voice Media can go to trial. The jury trial is now scheduled to begin in January. Read more from the Weekly and the Bay Guardian.

Continue ReadingJudge Rules Bay Guardian’s Suit Against SF Weekly Can Go to Trial