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JUNE 26, 2001

In a defeat for large publishers, the Supreme Court on Monday ruled that the work of freelance writers cannot be used in digital databases without their permission.

By a vote of 7-2, the Court said newspapers and magazine publisher cannot store freelancer's works in databases or other electronic formats without compensating the original author. The case has been sent to a lower court to determine any monetary or other damages to be awarded to freelance authors.

Justice Ruth Ginsburg delivered the opinion of the Court. Justice John Paul Stevens authored a dissent, joined by Justice Stephen Breyer.

Get the Decision New York Times v. Tasini:
Syllabus | Opinion | Dissent

Get the Story:
Freelancers Win Fight Over Reuse Of Works (The Washington Post 6/26)
Freelancers Win in Case of Work Kept in Databases (The New York Times 6/26)
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