BayFF Event to Feature Cool Gizmo Demos, Discussion of Legal Threats to Inventors

San Francisco - The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) invites the public to join EFF staff members next week in a discussion and celebration of high-tech innovation. The event is part of EFF's BayFF series and will feature product demos of cutting-edge digital media gadgets from San Francisco Bay Area companies Elgato Systems, Slim Devices, and Sling Media. There will also be a panel discussion with EFF experts about how the public can join the fight to protect the pro-innovation environment that makes these high-tech inventions possible.

For the past 20 years, the "Betamax doctrine" has protected innovators from lawsuits and encouraged them to create exciting new applications for older technologies. But with the Supreme Court hearing of MGM v. Grokster at the end of March, we may see big changes in the law, with potentially dire consequences for innovation. How do we ensure that technologists keep the freedom necessary to create the next-generation iPods and TiVos?

This BayFF gathering will be held on Tuesday, February 22, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m., at 111 Minna, a gallery/nightclub in downtown San Francisco. The evening will also include refreshments and a cash bar. Come to learn, mingle, and meet the EFF staff and friends. This event is free and open to the public. Because 111 Minna serves alcohol, attendees must be over 21.

Contact:

Katina Bishop
Projects Coordinator
Electronic Frontier Foundation
katina@eff.org