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Dylan, Dr.Seuss Can't Mix

Humble parodists no match for corporate Goliaths wielding copyright law

By Colleen Barry, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 13, 2007 11:57 AM CDT

(Newser) – Dr. Seuss's estate has knocked down a website by artist/jokerman Kevin Ryan, featuring the fantasist's verses set to fake Bob Dylan music. The loss of the brilliant mash-up prompts Salon's Dan Brekke to explore how the times are a' changin' for copyright law, particularly in the murky and amorphous area of parody.

In theory, fair use should allow satirists to comment on artworks by turning them on their head. In practice, corporations are so defensive of their intellectual property and penalties for infringement are so high, most would-be parodists are cowed by a cease-and-desist notice, as was Ryan. The solution? Fund the underdogs to fight back in court, says Brekke.

Bo Welch (Getty Images)

GW_94 ((c) Pro-Zak)

Bob Dylan (Getty Images)

Theodor Seuss Geisel will be honored with a 37-cent commemorative stamp on March 2, 2004. (KRT Photos)

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Dylan, Dr.Seuss Can't Mix

Humble parodists no match for corporate Goliaths wielding copyright law

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copyright law • intellectual property • parody • satire • Bob Dylan • Dr. Seuss

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Forever 21 Threatens Blogger Who Mocks It

Apparently, clothing retailer can't handle being poked at

Lampoon Lampoons Twilight With Nightlight

Edwart's no vamp, he just has nosebleeds, but don't tell Belle

Catholics Rip Larry for Whizzing on Jesus

Urine taken for 'miraculous tears' by Curb characters

Chinese Court Sentences Microsoft Pirates

11 jailed for counterfeit software ring with 'unprecedented' scope

Rowling Wins Copyright Case

Judge rules publishing Potter encyclopedia would cause creator 'irreparable harm'

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Dylan, Dr.Seuss Can't Mix

Humble parodists no match for corporate Goliaths wielding copyright law

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

copyright law • intellectual property • parody • satire • Bob Dylan • Dr. Seuss

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Forever 21 Threatens Blogger Who Mocks It

Apparently, clothing retailer can't handle being poked at

Lampoon Lampoons Twilight With Nightlight

Edwart's no vamp, he just has nosebleeds, but don't tell Belle

Catholics Rip Larry for Whizzing on Jesus

Urine taken for 'miraculous tears' by Curb characters

Chinese Court Sentences Microsoft Pirates

11 jailed for counterfeit software ring with 'unprecedented' scope

Rowling Wins Copyright Case

Judge rules publishing Potter encyclopedia would cause creator 'irreparable harm'

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?