So Entertained

[preciousjeni]

Originally Posted by Resillyance

I was concerned until I realized they're high school students! In a way, it's kind of cute (and flattering) that they've chosen to "imitate" us. If Lambda Tau inspires young girls in Baton Rouge to do something positive, I can live with them "borrowing" from Theta Nu Xi.

Now if they decide to go national, that's a problem...

It's flattering to a point. Anyway, did you read the comments from their "advisor" about folks hating on them? I don't know how inspiring that truly is.

The problem is that we have a copyright on Theta Woman, so anyone using it, without permission, is committing an unlawful act. Of course, we'd have trouble proving that they've made any money/incurred any benefit from its use, but it's still not theirs to use.

Anyway, I don't think they're imitating us. From some comments from a member, it appears that the newer members don't even know the poem was stolen!

P.S. Soror, please head over to http://greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?t=40818 and introduce yourself!! Welcome to GC!

[Ch2tf]

Originally Posted by preciousjeni

The problem is that we have a copyright on Theta Woman, so anyone using it, without permission, is committing an unlawful act. Of course, we'd have trouble proving that they've made any money/incurred any benefit from its use, but it's still not theirs to use.

I'm not too up to speed on copyright laws, but in effect we have to prove that they received some gain from the use of Theta Women for an effective suit?

[preciousjeni]

Originally Posted by Ch2tf

I'm not too up to speed on copyright laws, but in effect we have to prove that they received some gain from the use of Theta Women for an effective suit?

These are our protections under copyright law...it is illegal to:

• reproduce the work in copies;

• prepare derivative works based upon the work;

• distribute copies of the work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending;

• perform the work publicly;

• display the copyrighted work publicly

• In the case of sound recordings, to perform the work publicly by means of a digital audio transmission.

The limitations on exclusive rights (fair use) are:

(1) the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;

(2) the nature of the copyrighted work;

(3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and

(4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.

The fact that a work is unpublished shall not itself bar a finding of fair use if such finding is made upon consideration of all the above factors

Remember that copyright and trademark are different. Theta Woman is under copyright.

[Ch2tf]

Originally Posted by preciousjeni

These are our protections under copyright law...it is illegal to:
prepare derivative works based upon the work;
display the copyrighted work publicly

(3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and

Based on my understanding of the above, they are subject to copyright infringement, as they used a substantial portion of the Theta Woman poem (the only thing being replaced is "Theta" and "lavender")

[preciousjeni]

Originally Posted by Ch2tf

Based on my understanding of the above, they are subject to copyright infringement, as they used a substantial portion of the Theta Woman poem (the only thing being replaced is "Theta" and "lavender")

They most DEFINITELY are infringing. What they did was "prepare derivative works based upon the work" out right. The NB knows about this situation. No worries!

[nikkidred_dst]

Preciousjeni,

I've just learned of lambda tau. The problem that I have with the organization aside from the obvious copyright infringement, is that the organization was started by an alleged member of my sorority. And as a national initiative we already have a youth sponsored program. So why start another? And for the record, even though I'm not a member of your organization, I find it appalling that she would steal from another organization and claim it as her own and then corrupt young people. That is reprehensible. What are you teaching these young ladies? If I were them I wouldn't want to be associated with that type of person or the organization.

[preciousjeni]

Originally Posted by nikkidred_dst

Preciousjeni,

I've just learned of lambda tau. The problem that I have with the organization aside from the obvious copyright infringement, is that the organization was started by an alleged member of my sorority. And as a national initiative we already have a youth sponsored program. So why start another? And for the record, even though I'm not a member of your organization, I find it appalling that she would steal from another organization and claim it as her own and then corrupt young people. That is reprehensible. What are you teaching these young ladies? If I were them I wouldn't want to be associated with that type of person or the organization.

I believe the issue of the poem has been addressed as the website came down. However, I am very concerned about these youth organizations. Check out these babies at a youth "step show." Remember, they are YOUTH. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr69Zt6e2bI Parents, get your kids!

[deepimpact2]

Originally Posted by preciousjeni

I believe the issue of the poem has been addressed as the website came down. However, I am very concerned about these youth organizations. Check out these babies at a youth "step show." Remember, they are YOUTH. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr69Zt6e2bI Parents, get your kids!

Hmm There's really more humping than stepping going on.
I can understand the frustration about the youth orgs. At one point ehre was a youth "sorority" known as Alpha Kappa Kappalettes. They had the same colors and everything. Needless to say it hasn't gone over well with AKA's who are aware of the org's existence. And those little gals are pretty nasty and defiant about it too. They had a website and many of them made it clear that they were future AKA's. ugh