From: "Erwin, Patricia J., M.L.S." <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 00:28:03 +0000

My legal background is very much ancient (like probably 45 years) but I
suspect it’s a matter of precedent.  If you don’t defend your rights, you
may lose them.  Witness the American Psychological Association.  I suspect
we may see a number of suits by publishers, and associations.  They may
never actually collect money, but it does establish precedent, and a point
of pressure for agencies, governments wishing to publish in the future.



The recent article about the growth of scientific publishing is quite
instructive.



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From: "Jim O'Donnell" <[log in to unmask]>

Date: Wed, 28 Jun 2017 12:35:03 -0700

First Elsevier, now the American Chemical Society, seeing Elsevier's
success, files suit against offshore malefactors.


https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/pressroom/newsreleases/
2017/june/acs-files-suit-against-sci-hub.html



The question this raises in my mind is, why do these large and powerful
organizations think it's worthwhile filing and winning these suits.  Their
lawyers and the process cost them a fair packet, while the malefactors
revel in their ability to escape the long arm of the law.  Suggests to me
there's a deeper game going on.  Worth doing all this to make a careful
show of protecting their rights against future malefactors who may be
within reach?  I would be glad to be instructed.



Jim O'Donnell

Arizona State