Saturday Sundry
As German national this Kat cannot cast her vote in the upcoming UK General Election but she is, of course, following the news. Sometimes, the UK is really rather similar to good ol' Germany - as in when the campaigning is overall a little... errm less than inspired, parties tend to start using "controversial" election posters to get some media attention.Being partial to TV shows about time travelling police officers, this Kat was only mildly surprised when she recently noticed the Labour party's campaign poster which depicted Conservative candidate David Cameron as TV detective Gene Hunt from the BBC's 80's drama Ashes to Ashes (top left). The Conservatives appeared rather pleased with this comparison and re-used the poster with a more Tory friendly slogan (left).
Now, here is the IP angle, according to a report by the Telegraph: neither party asked for permission to use the Ashes to Ashes picture. The Telegraph also cites a statement by Kudos, who are the production company behind the TV series: "Kudos own the copyright to the image from Ashes to Ashes and as both Kudos and the BBC are non-partisan and do not endorse any political party, Kudos lawyers have written to both parties to request they cease the use of the image for their own promotion."
The Telegraph concludes its report on this story rather nicely with some information the Digital 
Economy Bill which was "rushed through" by Parliament in the 'washup' period before the election; the bill that is meant to "protect intellectual property from internet pirates." I also see why one could see this as "derogatory treatment of a work". Then again (being politically impartial) this Kat thinks that the whole poster saga looks a bit like an own goal. Kudos shouldn't really mind a bit of extra publicity for their show. Also, before an election such minor controversies provide some light entertainment. I am thinking back to last year's German General election which brought a bemused German electorate the poster on the right ('We have more to offer').
Economy Bill which was "rushed through" by Parliament in the 'washup' period before the election; the bill that is meant to "protect intellectual property from internet pirates." I also see why one could see this as "derogatory treatment of a work". Then again (being politically impartial) this Kat thinks that the whole poster saga looks a bit like an own goal. Kudos shouldn't really mind a bit of extra publicity for their show. Also, before an election such minor controversies provide some light entertainment. I am thinking back to last year's German General election which brought a bemused German electorate the poster on the right ('We have more to offer').