Number: RL30495 Title: THE COPYRIGHT DOCTRINE OF FAIR USE AND THE INTERNET: CASELAW Authors: Douglas Reid Weimer, American Law Division Abstract: This report examines the evolving copyright doctrine of fair use within the context of copyrighted works published or placed on the Internet. American courts have been examining the various property rights of copyright owners concurrently with the unauthorized use of these copyrighted materials by Web site operators, Internet consumers, access providers, and other interested parties. This report analyzes the early fair use copyright cases concerning Internet use, as well as the most recent judicial interpretations. Pages: 8 Date: Updated March 30, 2000