First Page
585
Abstract
Case law is sparse on the issue of tax deductibility for non-willful infringers and, as such, cases representing copyright, patent, and trademark infringement have been used interchangeably in an attempt to develop a rule. It is necessary to point out, however, that there are different standards for obtaining and protecting these three different types of intellectual property. As such, this Note will first analyze the remedies available for copyrights, patents, and trademarks to determine whether different standards should apply regarding the deductibility of taxes from gross infringing revenue when determining actual damage awards. Next, this Note analyzes arguments that have been presented in favor of each of the possible solutions to the issue of tax deductibility. Finally, this Note advocates the adoption of the Second and Ninth Circuits' view that tax is a proper deductible expense for non-willful copyright infringers.
Recommended Citation
Christine Ballard,
Not All Copyright Infringers Are Created Equal: Why Federal Income Tax is a Proper Deductible Expense for Non-Willful Copyright Infringers,
8 Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law
585
(2020)
Available at: https://scholarship.law.vanderbilt.edu/jetlaw/vol8/iss3/4