How Justin Bieber Became the Public Face of Copyright Reform (Analysis)

Charles Eshelman/Getty Images A few days ago, we wrote about Fight for the Future, a not-for-profit that started a campaign and website called"Free Bieber," warning that pop star Justin Bieber could face five years in prison if copyright laws were amended. A lot has happened since, so it's time to update.our editor recommends Justin Bieber Is the 'Real Deal' and Will Have a Long Career Says Reality TV Producer'Justin Bieber: Never Say Never' Producer Emphasizes Importance of Social MediaCould Justin Biebers Never Say Never Get a Best Doc Oscar Nomination? Fight for the Future expresses concern about S. 978,which would make unauthorized web streaming of copyrighted work a felony, and says Bieber's freedom is at stake. STORY: Justin Bieber Picks the 5 Songs That Inspire Him The group points out that Bieberbecame famous as a result ofposting covers of popular R&B songs to YouTube, which might be true, but hardly constitutes illegal streaming under the proposed legislation. Here's whyBieber is safe from jail even if the law passes. After the website got attention, the singer's reps became upset over how the singer was being used as a prop.So Bieber's lawyers sent a cease-and-desist letterto shut down "Free Bieber," arguing that the website itself was violating his trademark, privacy and publicity rights, doing things like promising the arrival of "Free Bieber" t-shirts with the teen star shown behind jail bars. Several music artist guilds also have opposed the "Free Bieber" movement, arguing that the proposed bill actually helps artists like Bieber. STORY: Justin Bieber's 'Under the Mistletoe' Headed for Platinum? Sells 164,000 in Pre-orders Fight for the Future retained the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the nonprofit legal advocacy group, which returned fire witha replythatmakes the case that no laws have been broken in the operation of "Free Bieber." The EFF dismisses trademark allegationsbecause it's a political website that makes fair use of the term "Justin Bieber," rejects a privacy claim because "we cannot fathom how this political campaign in any way intrudes on any privacy right your extremely public client might assert," and says there's no publicity rights violation because of free speech. In other words, groups should be allowed to hold up celebrities to make political points. EXCLUSIVE: Justin Bieber: 'With Time Off, I'm Able to Think, Pray and Grow Up' Then, Bieber got on the radio and made statements that make us question whether his reps are really consulting with him on these issues. A radio host introduced Bieber to the proposed legislation -- not really doing a great job, in our opinion -- and Bieber responded that the lawmaker who crafted the bill "needs to be locked up." The law was proposed by Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar. Bieber made the comment as if this was the first time he's heard about these issues. Is he being used as a prop by both sides of the issue? Here's the audio. E-mail: eriqgardner@yahoo.com Twitter: @eriqgardner Justin Bieber Justin Bieber: Never Say Never