TechDirt has posted a follow up to a case they covered back in October involving a law firm who was attempting to claim the cease-and-desist letters they sent out were protected by copyright. Now apparently a judge has� agreed that you can copyright cease-and-desist letters. So much for fair use as the argument of fair use and freedom of speech had no effect on that case.

If you ask me, this is a stupid ruling. The publication of a letter under the US Copyright Act can now result to statutory damages for as much as $150,000 per occurrence plus attorneys fees that can average $750,000 through trial.

What will become of chillingeffects.org who gathers a searchable database of Cease and Desist notices?

You can read the full story on Techdirt. Your thoughts?