Discussion Scenario:Untilshe died, singer Billie Holiday wasa musical icon during a career that spanned more than 15 years. Many companies and individuals own copyrights to Holiday's songs, lyrics, photographs, movies, and appearances on television shows. Millions of dollars of Billie Holiday-related copyrighted materials are sold or licensed annually.

People's Video produced a video documentary titledTheLife of Billie, comprising 16 one-hour episodes. The producers interviewed more than 200 people regarding virtually all aspects of Holiday's life. People's sold the videos commercially for a profit. Approximately 5-10% of the videos were composed of copyrighted music and appearances of Holiday on television and in movies owned by copyright holders other than People's. People's did not obtain permission to use those copyrighted works. Billie Holiday Enterprises, Inc., and other companies and individuals that owned copyrights to the Holiday's works used by People's sued People's for copyright infringement. People's defended, arguing that its use of the copyrighted materials was fair use.

Discussion Questions:

A. Copyright - Billie Holiday

1. Did People's act ethically in including the Billie Holiday's copyrighted material in its video?Why or why not?
2. Has there been fair use in this case, or has there been copyright infringement?

B. Personal Property - In General

1. What is your opinion about the true owner of lost, mislaid, or abandoned property? Is the law fair?