There is a term that is used called public domain. So the theory is that if it exists and is general knowledge can you then recreate it or publish on your site or through any other forms of communications. In the case that was in question, the plaintiff had received some information via an email, and then published the identical content on forums. This does not however give away the rights of articles that are filed and protected under copyright laws. Many authors on blogs, and websites will publish their content. But fail to protect those intellectual rights by filing with the proper bodies.
New legislation that has been proposed by Senator John McCain, could hold bloggers responsible for any copyrighted material or damaging comment about a person or business that are posted on their blogs. Even in the comments section. This could make for some interesting debates on the control of free speech, and how to control this type of content on the web.
Tags: political change