The Boy Scouts Respect Copyright Law with New Badge

Posted on October 23, 2006

Well, this was a bit of a surprise we have to say. The Boy Scouts can now earn an activity patch in copyright law. Yes, that's right -- someone is teaching the boy scouts about why illegal downloading of music and movies hurts songwriters and artists.

Of course, it's the Los Angeles-area Boys Scouts.

Dan Glickman, chairman of the Motion Picture Association of America, said in a statement, "Working with the Boy Scouts of Los Angeles, we have a real opportunity to educate a new generation about how movies are made, why they are valuable, and hopefully change attitudes about intellectual property theft.

An image of the new badge can be seen on NBC News. It contains a copyright C symbol, film strip, music CD and film reel. The badge says "Respect Copyrights."

NBC News says, "Scouts will be instructed in the basics of copyright law and learn how to identify five types of copyrighted works and three ways copyrighted materials may be stolen." Activities to earn the badge include visiting a movie studio and creating public service announcements.

Ask any singer songwriter and you'll get an earful on this subject. Illegal downloading hurts artists and writers who are trying to earn a living.