ROUNDUP: Japanese far right blocks dolphin hunting documentary; Google backs down a record label; Profile of an art sleuth

Japanese far right blocks dolphin hunting documentary

“Noisy rallies, online slanders, intimidating phone calls and veiled threats of violence” are compelling theaters into canceling showings of The Cove. The documentary depicts dolphin hunting and warns of high levels of mercury in fish — “a disturbing disclosure in this seafood-loving nation.” From NYT.

Google backs down a record label lawsuit

After trading lawsuits with Blues Destiny Records, Google has withdrawn from the pursuit of a declaratory judgment that it’s not infringing the label’s copyrights. Blues Destiny sued Google in 2009, alleging that the search engine facilities copyright infringement by linking to songs on Rapidshare.  The label has agreed not to pursue any past actions against the search giant. From THR, Esq.

Profile of an art sleuth

Described as “Art Crime’s Avenger” by the Art Market Monitor, former FBI agent Robert K. Wittman is profiled in His Heart Is in the Art of Sleuthing. The New York Times details Wittman’s 15 years at the helm of the Bureau’s Art Crime Team. From NYT. [via The Art Law Blog]