Don't Risk It

Plenty.

Before it was over, Kinko's Graphics Corp. was slapped with over a half million dollars in statutory damages—and more—all because Kinko's ignored the copyright laws, while including a line citing "fair use" on the inside cover of many of its packets.

Today, many printers, both on and off campus, have gained experience through Kinko's loss. For printers, the most chilling aspect of the huge damage award can be found in a court note that states that the damage award was not based on financial loss to the plaintiff (publisher): "Kinko's had failed to instruct its employees in the pertinent aspects of copyright law. Substantial damages are necessary to deter Kinko's future infringements.'1