Free speech at stake in anti-Muslim film case

A low-budget anti-Muslim film that sparked violence in the Middle East and death threats to the actors involved was compared with the likes of Titanic and The Lord of the Rings in a federal appeals court.

A lawyer for Google argued that if a ruling stands allowing a bit player in Innocence of Muslims copyright privileges, it could extend to minor characters in blockbusters, shatter copyright law and ultimately restrict free speech because anyone unhappy with their performance could have it removed from the internet.

“The ultimate effect is to harm the marketplace of speech,” attorney Neal Katyal told a 10-judge panel of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals.