iCopyright sues AP for breaching content services agreement

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Online copyright service iCopyright has filed a lawsuit against the Associated Press alleging that the US newswire has breached a Content Services Agreement. In 2008 AP signed a deal with iCopyright to create a web-based licensing system for its content. At the time it said AP-hosted stories would feature links directing users to the iCopyright service at the top and bottom of the articles.

These links would give AP content users the option to email content, request copies, purchase photos or publish to their own websites.

In a redacted copy of the lawsuit (shown below), which was filed in November, iCopyright is said to be bringing the action to "prevent The Associated Press and Press Association (collectively "AP") from breaching the Content Services Agreement".

This includes, the suit adds, "failing to maintain iCopyright tags and tools on AP's website, failing to promote iCopyright as required by the CSA, violating confidentiality provisions, improperly purporting to "terminate" the CSA, and cutting off iCopyright's access to AP's servers".

The suit, signed by iCopyright's lawyers and verified by its CEO Andrew Elston, outlines that iCopyright seeks to recover damages.

In a statement the Associated Press said the lawsuit "is without merit".

"AP plans to defend its rights vigorously," a spokesperson added. iCopyright's Elston declined to comment further at this time. iCopyright - Complaint REDACTED There used to be something here that couldn't be migrated - please contact us at info@journalism.co.uk if you'd like to see this updated!