Although much of the focus on copyright in the networked digital world has rested on audio-visual works, other forms of copyrighted media also have much at stake. In his paper "Google Book Search and Fair Use: iTunes for Authors, or Napster for Books?" Hannibal Travis, assistant professor at Florida International University’s College of Law, argues that Google’s planned Book Search service makes fair use of copyrighted content. Travis’ paper, an extract from the introduction to which appears below, was recently published in the University of Miami Law Review.

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At the same meeting where it voted to re-brand itself as Interactive Ontario (see CNM Short Takes), the New Media Business Alliance also voted to make changes to its board of directors. The current board will be dissolved at the organization’s next annual general meeting and reconstituted with a new board. The new directors will take two year terms, instead of the current three year terms, and the number of directors will be increased from nine to 15 to create minimum levels of representation from games, mobile and eLearning companies. "It is important that we have strong voices from each sector at the board table," said NMBA president Ian Kelso in a press release. "The interactive media industry is very diverse and complex but games, mobile and eLearning have emerged with some distinct needs and priorities when it comes to policy and program development."

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NMBA changes name to Interactive Ontario
The New Media Business Alliance, Ontario’s digital media trade association, announced following a meeting on November 16 that it will change its name to Interactive Ontario. "We have chosen the name Interactive Ontario to better communicate the mandate and commitment we have to represent interactive media companies in this province," said Ian Kelso, NMBA’s president, in a news release. Formed five years ago, the NMBA currently represents 100 companies in the games, mobile, eLearning and convergence production sectors. The association works with all levels of government to represent the interests of its members, and is also a founding member of the Canadian Interactive Alliance/Alliance interactive canadienne. A new branding strategy defining the new identity will be introduced soon.

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A new interactive advertising tool from the out-of-home advertising division of Montreal’s Astral Media Inc. offers clients the opportunity to build additional brand recognition and engage consumers through SMS text messages.

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