Dear Sir,
We are legal counsel for the Michigan Department of Natural Sights and
Sounds (herein referred to as MDNSS).
It has come to our attention that the latest edition of the "Virtual
Yooper" Internet radio show (edition 2, herein referred to as PODCAST)
features certain recorded sounds from the Eagle River Cascades waterfall
(located on route 26, herein referred to as WATERFALL).
Liber Y, page 632, paragraph 6 of the Michigan Natural Sights and Sounds
Artistic Property Act states that "All sights and sounds emanating from
natural phenomena located on sites governed by this act, are the
exclusive property of the state of Michigan, and may not be reproduced,
in whole or in part by parties not licensed by [MDNSS]".
The unauthorized use of recorded sounds from WATERFALL is in violation
of this statute, and threaten the artistic property rights of the state
of Michigan. We demand that you cease and desist from this practice
immediately, and edit all past and future episodes of PODCAST, replacing
the infringing sound clips with non-infringing material. May we suggest
utilizing the voluminous free audio archives available from the member
corporations of the Recording Industry Association of America? These
recording archives may be accessed via Kaaza and other reputable file
distribution networks.
Failure to comply by March 1, 2006 will result in the accrual of
penalties and legal sanctions.
Regards,
Dewey, Cheatham, and Howe