En Banc Hearing for the Innocence of Muslims Case

According to Variety, Judge Sidney Thomas for the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, ordered that the “Innocence of Muslims” video case be reheard en banc this upcoming December. The previous ruling shocked tech firms as the 9th Circuit ruled that Cindy Lee Garcia held a copyright interest in her very small role in the film, and ordered YouTube to remove the video. Many noted that this decision potentially would allow actors in minor roles, or even extras, to claim copyright ownership of their performances. Tech companies are worried that if this decision is upheld, they will have to closely examine the services they provide for copyright infringement. Further, since the initial decision, Garcia has unsuccessfully attempted to obtain a registered copyright for her work in the film. While the details of the production of the film are suspect, it will be interesting to see if the court finds a copyright violation in order to reprimand the producer.