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Star Wars flick draws users, controversy

Manufacturers and e-commerce companies aim to capitalize on enthusiasm for the upcoming Phantom Menace, but the movie also rekindles an old debate about Net copyright issues.

CNET News staff
 
  latest developments 

Manufacturers and e-commerce companies aim to capitalize on enthusiasm for an upcoming Star Wars movie, but the Phantom Menace also rekindles an old debate about Net copyright issues.

"The law is very clear that you do not send ambiguous, threatening letters to ISPs saying they may be infringing a copyright."

- Dave McClure, executive director of the Association of Online Professionals

 


Apple milks the Phantom Menace force
Four new TV ads for the upcoming Star Wars film can be seen on Apple's site, available only via the QuickTime multimedia format.

The Empire strikes paydirt
Merchandise tie-ins officially launch today for the upcoming Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace movie. Buyers storm online merchants like an army of Jedi Knights.

Star Wars rekindles Net debate
A form letter Star Wars producer Lucasfilm is sending to hundreds of ISPs is resparking debate about who is responsible for policing copyright infringement on the Net.

Previous coverage
Apple first in line for Star Wars promotion
A new QuickTime trailer for The Phantom Menace sweeps across the Net, clogging Web servers and filling PC speakers with the familiar strains of the Star Wars theme.