Title: Intellectual Property Rights Infringements in Computer Networks Environment The focal point of the presented thesis is a description of relevant legislation and case law and an analysis of various kinds of liability. The legislation has been described starting on the level of international treaties, including the TRIPS Agreement and the WIPO Internet Treaties, through European directives and finally closing with the Czech national law, the Copyright Act in particular and other selected norms of both civil and criminal law. The thesis deals with foreign regulations in France and the United States known for their consistency in copyright protection. The Czech Supreme Public Prosecutor Office guidance note has been discussed shortly followed by an analysis of civil, administrative and criminal liability. Case law spans the decisions from the Czech Constitutional Court, Supreme Court and Supreme Administrative Court, then the European Court of Justice judgement in the Scarlett case and a several foreign decisions, especially Dutch judgements in matters of the professional association BREIN and the American Betamax case.

本論文以最高法院涉專利侵權民事訴訟判決為分析對象，而進行類型化的研究。本論文發現此類判決可分為「法律解釋爭議」、「專利爭議中鑑定報告證據力的認定爭議」、「損害賠償請求權或其他請求權基礎之爭議」、以及「特殊問題」等四個類型。而根據此類型化方式，我們可以系統化看待最高法院的判決對專利法發展的影響和貢獻。 / In this thesis, several patent infringement decisions of the Highest Court were analyzed for grouping. The decisions were further grouped by the legal issues therein into four types, “question of law,” “evidence of patent infringement analysis,” “cause of action,” and “special issue.” Through the grouping, the effects and contributations of the Highest Court over the patent law can be systematically studied.

Jau nuo seno geografinės nuorodos savo koncepcija išsivystė kaip pirmieji prekių ženklai. Intensyvėjant bei sudėtingėjant komerciniams santykiams geografinės nuorodos ir prekių ženklai tapo skirtingomis kategorijomis žymenų, kurių registraciją, apsaugą bei naudojimą reglamentuoja intelektinės nuosavybės teisės normos. Visgi, nors tai skirtingi pramoninės nuosavybės teisės institutai, geografinės nuorodos ir prekių ženklai sutampa daugeliu aspektų. Visų pirma, šie žymenys, naudojami komercinėje aplinkoje, sutampa jiems priskirtomis funkcijomis, t.y. jie abu atlieka prekių ar paslaugų atskyrimo, kilmės šaltinio identifikavimo, kokybės identifikavimo bei vartotojų informavimo funkcijas. Be šios sutapties, geografinės nuorodos ir prekių ženklai yra panašūs, nes privalo turėti skiriamąjį požymį, o taip pat sutampa ir jų išraiškos formos bei apsaugos galiojimo laikas. Visi išvardinti panašumai, išreiškiantys ryšį tarp geografinių nuorodų ir prekių ženklų, gali lemti painiavą rinkoje bei pramoninės nuosavybės išimtinių teisių pažeidimus, todėl teisiniai mechanizmai, skirti reguliuoti šių žymenų registraciją, apsaugą ir naudojimą yra įtvirtinti siekiant išlaikyti pusiausvyrą tarp vartotojų ir gamintojų, išimtinių teisių turėtojų interesų. Numatyti teisėti geografinių nuorodų ir prekių ženklų naudotojai dėl pažeistų teisių gali remtis skirtingais būdais. Bendrai yra numatyti tokie ginčų sprendimų variantai: pagal taikytiną teisę, pagal atskirų pramoninės nuosavybės objektų teisės... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / For a long time, geographical indications have developed as the first trade marks. As the commercial relations become more intensive and complex, geographical indications and trade marks has become two different categories of signs, the registration, protection and usage of which is governed by the rules of intellectual property law. Nonetheless, even though geographical indications and trade marks are different institutes of industrial property law, they coincide in a majority of aspects. First of all, the fore-mentioned signs used in commercial environment coincide in the attributed functions, i.e. both of them perform the functions of distinguishing goods or services, identification of the source of origin, identification of quality and information of customers. In addition to the considered coincidence, geographical indications and trade marks are similar, since both of them must have a distinctive character; furthermore, their forms of expression and term of protection are in coincidence. All above similarities implying a relation between geographical indications and trade marks may determine confusion in the market and infringements of the exclusive rights of industrial property; therefore, legal mechanisms intended for the regulation of the registration, protection and usage of the considered signs have been established to keep the balance between the interests of customers and producers and holders of exclusive rights. As for the infringements of rights, the... [to full text]

The thesis investigates the concept of trademark dilution under international and regional trademark law, and under the laws of selected jurisdictions; namely, the United States of America, Germany, the United Kingdom and the Republic of South Africa. The investigation includes measures undertaken to prohibit the internet-based dilution of famous marks through the registration of confusingly similar domain names. It is noted that dilution is imprecisely formulated under international trademark treaty law. In fact, the term "dilution" does not appear in international trademark treaties. To fill the gap of international trademark treaties, various policy initiatives, or `soft law' have been developed, which to some extent clarify both the concept of dilution, the type of mark protected from dilution, and the scope of such protection. The problem is that the policy initiatives are non-binding on States, so that different States have adopted different common law and statutory approaches to the protection of marks against dilution. This is demonstrated, for example, by the fact that the European Union and its Member States provide protection from dilution to "marks with a reputation", while the United States of America provides such protection only to "famous" marks, and the Republic of South Africa protects "marks which are well-known in the Republic" from dilution. The thesis analyses the protection granted in these jurisdictions, to determine the similarities and differences of approach, and to make appropriate law reform proposals to achieve uniformity of protection. In the final analysis, it is concluded that the burden of enforcing dilution provisions rest on the judiciary. This being so, the judiciary is urged to engage in a balancing exercise in deciding dilution cases. The courts should recognize that dilution provisions are powerful tools at the disposal of owners of trademarks with advertising value. At the same time, the courts should be steadfast in ensuring that protection from dilution does not stultify freedom of trade, or create absolute monopolies or a form of copyright in a trademark. / Jurisprudence / LL.D.

O problema de pesquisa sobre o qual esta tese se ocupou diz respeito à questão da responsabilização do adolescente autor de ato infracional. A interface dos campos de saber da psicanálise e do direito demonstrou-se fundamental para a apreensão da relação entre medida socioeducativa (MSE) e responsabilidade do adolescente neste contexto. A compreensão das motivações para a prática do ato infracional foi abordada a partir do referencial teórico-metodológico psicanalítico, aliado à experiência de acolhimento e atendimento junto aos adolescentes em cumprimento de MSE em um Centro de Referência Especializado de Assistência Social (CREAS). Utilizamos estratégias de investigação referenciadas na concepção de Clínica Extensa, conforme desenvolvida por Herrmann (1991), vinculada à proposta de exercício do método psicanalítico fora do setting convencional. Elegemos quatro histórias de vida de adolescentes acolhidos e acompanhados no cumprimento da MSE, as quais nos subsidiaram para dar encaminhamento às questões inspiradoras do trabalho. Pudemos demonstrar que as motivações para a prática do ato infracional devem ser apreendidas num âmbito multifatorial, no qual convergem aspectos particulares da vida de cada sujeito e que devem ser tratados durante o cumprimento da MSE, para possibilitar a construção de um saber e de uma significação subjetiva acerca do ato praticado. Nesse sentido, este estudo comprova que a responsabilização do adolescente frente ao ato praticado não pode consistir apenas na tarefa do cumprimento da medida, umavez que o processo de responsabilização implica lidar com a história do sujeito e como este se posiciona perante esse ato. A interseção da psicanálise e do direito revelou também a complexidade que envolve a efetivação de uma política de assistência social que promova e assegure de modo satisfatório os direitos do cidadão, conforme rege a Constituição Federal do Brasil de 1988. No contexto da emergência do Estado Democrático de Direito, é dever não somente do Estado, mas também da sociedade civil, zelar pela efetivação desses direitos. Portanto, cabe aos profissionais que executam essa política de assistência viabilizar, na medida do possível, um trabalho que potencialmente permita a responsabilização do adolescente autor de ato infracional / The research problem on which this thesis is concerned refers to the question of the accountability of the adolescent author of an infraction. The interface of the fields of knowledge of psychoanalysis and Law has been fundamental for the apprehension of the relationship between socio-educational measure (MSE) and responsibility of the adolescent in this context. The understanding of the motivations for the practice of the infraction act was approached from the psychoanalytic theoretical and methodological reference, together with the experience of reception and attendance to the adolescents in compliance with MSE in a Specialized Reference Center for Social Assistance (CREAS). We used research strategies referenced in the concept of Extensive Clinic, as developed by Herrmann (1991), linked to the proposal to exercise the psychoanalytic method outside the conventional setting. We chose four life histories of adolescents welcomed and followed up in compliance with the MSE, which subsidized us to give direction to the inspiring questions of the work.We could demonstrate that the motivations for the practice of the infraction act must be apprehended in a multifactorial context, in which particular aspects of the life of each subject that must be treated during the fulfillment of the MSE converge, to enable the construction of a knowledge and a subjective signification about the act practiced. In this sense, this study proves that the responsibility of the adolescent before the act practiced can not consist only in the task of compliance with the measure, since the process of accountability implies dealing with the history of the subject and how he stands before this act. The intersection of psychoanalysis and right has also revealed the complexity involved in the implementation of a social assistance policy that promotes and assures the rights of the citizen in a satisfactory manner, according to the Federal Constitution of Brazil of 1988. In the context of the emergence of the Democratic State of Law, it is the duty not only of the state but also of civil society to ensure the realization of these rights.Therefore, it is up to the professionals who execute this assistance policy to make feasible, to the extent possible, work that potentially allows the responsibility of the adolescent author of an infraction

Right to Local Self-Government - Summary The diploma thesis deals with topic of Right to Local Self-Government in the Czech Republic. Chapter one is introductory and summarizes contemporary theoretical approaches to the concept of territorial Self-Government and the nature of the right on it. Furthermore this chapter explains the importance of territorial Self-Government and describes its evolution in the bohemian lands, while it puts closer look to the restoration of territorial Self-Government and its design after 1989. Finally, this chapter looks at position of the Czech Republic in the typology of local government systems. Second Chapter examines all Constitutional complaints on the infringement of the rights of Self-Governments (municipalities), while it describes the circumstances under which the lawsuit emerged, and discusses the argumentation of the Czech Constitutional Court. The thesis summarizes data on author of the complaint, authority accused of the infringement, and result of the case. In the third chapter the thesis discusses other important judgements of the Czech Constitutional Court on the Self- Government and the rights of municipalities. It focuses on the most important judgements on the content of the right to Self-Government and day-to-day conduct of municipalities. In the fourth...

Higher education has experienced challenges defining and implementing copyright compliance. Confusion among faculty and staff appears to be common regarding copyright and fair use. The original copyright doctrine was drafted over 200 years ago, which predates practically all technological advances that have and will continue to occur. Change is slow and onerous with most legislation; there is not much possibility the small amendments made to the law will be able to keep pace with the continual technological evolution. Further, judges are citing precedents in court rulings of copyright disputes that were made using the best interpretation of the law, even though those earlier adjudicators had nothing concrete upon which to base decisions. The cycle of loose interpretations further exacerbates the copyright and fair use problem involving technology. Moreover, this concern has been magnified due to the digital nature of lesson delivery most learning institutions are adopting today. The rapid, widespread move toward online learning methods creates an entire set of copyright and fair use circumstances that extend beyond the traditional, face-to-face pedagogical issues. Invariably, schools will be left to attempt to decide what will be considered legal and safe, often by trial and error, until clearer, universally accepted guidelines can be created. A group consensus for best practice was achieved over three rounds of surveying with the help of a Delphi panel highly experienced in copyright laws. Opinions converged early during the process, where proper fair use assessment was one of the major themes appearing during the first round. Respondents also agreed future educators will undoubtedly continue to struggle with fully understanding the intricacies of fair use. An overall consensus reached for many questions was sufficient for answering the proposed research questions and drafting a list of recommendations for technological fair use. The outcome should add to the existing knowledge base, given the limited number of studies that have been conducted regarding the complexities of copyright topics in distance and online education. Recommendations for further investigations encourages researchers to continue where this effort ends to remain current and compliant with the ubiquitous changes in technologies.

L’article 6§2 de la Convention européenne des droits de l’homme affirme que « toute personne est présumée innocente des faits qui lui sont reprochés jusqu’à ce que sa culpabilité ait été légalement établie ». Consacré sur le plan international et sur le plan national, le principe de présomption d’innocence est une constante dans les droits des pays du Conseil de l’Europe et il est le principe directeur de la procédure pénale. Néanmoins l’enjeu du procès pénal repose sur la recherche d'un équilibre entre les intérêts de la société et le primat de l'individu. À ce titre, l’opposition éternelle entre les intérêts de la société et celle du citoyen ainsi que la confrontation du principe avec d’autres principes fondamentaux (droit à l’information pour les journalistes) tendent à amoindrir la valeur de la présomption d’innocence. Malheureusement, l’affaiblissement de l’effectivité du principe s’observe sur l’ensemble des États membres, ce qui est d’autant plus inquiétant. C’est pourquoi, à travers cette thèse, j’ai voulu démontrer que le rôle du Conseil de l’Europe va au-delà de la simple exigence du respect des minimas imposés, il a un impact réel sur le droit positif de chaque État membre et il doit jouer un rôle plus affirmé pour renforcer les principes fondamentaux qu’il proclame. L’harmonisation des droits internes par le Conseil de l’Europe est une solution à envisager afin de renforcer l’effectivité du principe de présomption d’innocence. Bien que les prérogatives du Conseil de l’Europe soient limitées et que la rivalité avec l’Union européenne ne facilite pas l’objectif, il demeure le moteur principal en matière de promotion des droits de l’homme et l’impact de la jurisprudence de la Cour européenne en est une illustration. / Article 6§2 of the European Convention on Human Rights states that "everyone is presumed innocent of the facts alleged against him until his guilt has been legally established". Dedicated internationally and nationally, the principle of the presumption of innocence is a constant in the countries rights of Council of Europe and is the guiding principle of criminal procedure. Nevertheless, the issue of the criminal trial lies in the search for a balance between the interests of society and the primacy of the individual. As such, the eternal opposition between the interests of the society and the citizen as well as the confrontation of the principle with other fundamental principles (right to information for journalists) tend to undermine the value of the presumption of innocence. Unfortunately, the weakening affecting the effectiveness of the principle is observed in all Member States, which is all the more worrying. That is why, through this thesis, I wanted to show that the role of the Council of Europe goes beyond the simple requirement of respecting minimum imposed standards, it has a real impact on the positive law of each state member and he must play a more assertive role to reinforce the fundamental principles it proclaims. The harmonization of internal laws by the Council of Europe is a solution to be considered in order to reinforce the effectiveness of the principle of the presumption of innocence. Although the prerogatives of the Council of Europe are limited and the rivalry with the European Union does not facilitate the objective, it remains the main engine for the promotion of human rights and the impact of the European Court case-law is an illustration of this.

The aim of this study was to investigate the various reasons consumers continue to infringe on copyrighted content, specifically in the South African context, even if the law forbids it. This investigation is two-fold since it also recognises that there are many individuals who do not infringe on copyrighted content even though they have access to peer-to-peer file sharing technology. This information could prove valuable since it can then be used to find comprehensive market-led solutions to the problem that targets the end-user. This study adopted a mixed method approach in order to cross validate findings and to reveal aspects of empirical reality. The target population for this study consisted of 100 adult South Africans who have access to the internet. Data was collected through an online, self-administered questionnaire. Quantitative data was analysed through descriptive statistics, while qualitative data was analysed through thematic analysis. The results show that there are variety of factors that influence respondents’ attitudes towards copyright infringement of films and/or television series through peer-to-peer file sharing technology, each of which is discussed in detail. The study concluded by identifying 24 factors that favourably influence people’s attitudes towards copyright infringement, including high prices of legitimate goods, historical inequality in South Africa, and perceived low risk of being caught and punished. Based on the conclusion above, the study recommends that policy makers such as government officials, boards of directors, managers, committees, and executives use the results of the study when making decisions and determining policies, especially in the South African context. / Communication Science / M.A. (Communication Science)

A study is done on the protection of sound recordings in the decentralized peer-to-peer (DP2P) file sharing in the United States, the United Kingdom and South Africa. This study reveals that because sound recordings have unique features different from other copyright works, the illegal sharing of sound recordings can ordinarily be filtered, identified, and detected by the Internet service providers (ISPs) before granting access to users and without infringing the users‟ right to privacy. However, the ISPs have failed in this regard, hence, they are strictly held liable under the contributory, vicarious and inducing infringements notwithstanding the statutory law which prohibits ISPs from monitoring, and intercepting their networks. In fact and law, the terms filtering, identifying and detecting on the one hand and monitoring and intercepting on the other hand are different in relation to sound recordings and as such ISPs are not prohibited from filtering, identifying and detecting illegal sound recordings on their networks, thus, ISPs are not protected under the limitation law as it is generally believed. However, several recommendations are made for reform, inter alia: a review of the limitation law to include the terms filtering, identifying and detecting in pursuance of the terms monitoring, and intercepting, if the intention of the legislators was meant to include the latter terms; protection of access right in digital sound recordings, protection of the neighbouring rights of ISPs in the digital world, imposing levies on all recording equipment, the insurability of sound recordings and ISPs‟ signals, and bandwidth. / Mercentile Law / LL. M. (Mercantile Law)