Technology
January 17, 1984 - VCR Taping Legal
On this day in 1984, the Supreme Court ruled that private use of a home videocassette recorder did not violate copyright laws. The decision overturned a 1981 ruling that made the copying of programs and the sale of video recorders illegal. The Supreme Court's decision marked a major defeat for Walt Disney, Universal City Studios, and other entertainment companies that had fought to ban home videotape machines. Over the next fifteen years, as technology improved for reproducing and electronically distributing images, words, movies, and other media, intellectual property cases like the VCR suit would become increasingly important.
January 17, 1706 - Happy Birthday, Ben Franklin
In addition to his wide-ranging accomplishments as statesman, printer, and revolutionary, Ben Franklin's experiments with electricity led to his invention of the lightning rod. His inquiries helped garner interest in the study of electricity.
Boxing
Janaury 17, 1942 - Muhammad Ali(Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr), 57 former heavyweight champion boxer. Born Lousivlle, Ky.
Wrestling
January 17, 1992 - The Mounty defeated Bret Hart for the WWF Intercontinental title.
January 17, 1984 - VCR Taping Legal
On this day in 1984, the Supreme Court ruled that private use of a home videocassette recorder did not violate copyright laws. The decision overturned a 1981 ruling that made the copying of programs and the sale of video recorders illegal. The Supreme Court's decision marked a major defeat for Walt Disney, Universal City Studios, and other entertainment companies that had fought to ban home videotape machines. Over the next fifteen years, as technology improved for reproducing and electronically distributing images, words, movies, and other media, intellectual property cases like the VCR suit would become increasingly important.
January 17, 1706 - Happy Birthday, Ben Franklin
In addition to his wide-ranging accomplishments as statesman, printer, and revolutionary, Ben Franklin's experiments with electricity led to his invention of the lightning rod. His inquiries helped garner interest in the study of electricity.
Boxing
Janaury 17, 1942 - Muhammad Ali(Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr), 57 former heavyweight champion boxer. Born Lousivlle, Ky.
Wrestling
January 17, 1992 - The Mounty defeated Bret Hart for the WWF Intercontinental title.