Copyright charges bring stardom to professor

A Japanese professor arrested on copyright charges for developing file-sharing technology is emerging as a celebrity and has received more than $62,000 toward his defense.

Word about a defense fund for Isamu Kaneko, a 33-year-old assistant professor at the prestigious University of Tokyo, spread mainly through “blogs,” or Internet journals, which are rapidly attracting thousands of users in Japan.

Kaneko recently was arrested for developing Winny software, which lets people swap movies and video games online. If convicted, Kaneko faces up to three years in prison or a fine of $26,000. His lawyer, Toshimitsu Dan, says there are no laws in Japan that declare file-sharing software itself illegal.

Lawrence

Congressman to give public legislative update

Congressman Jim Ryun, R-Kan., will be the keynote speaker at the National Delegation Luncheon from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Hereford House, Sixth Street and Wakarusa Drive.

The event is sponsored by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce’s Government Communications Committee.

The cost is $15 in advance and $17 at the door. Lunch is included with the program fee. To register, call Bobbie Clark at 865-4483 or stop by the chamber’s office, 734 Vt.

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