If you’ve been paying attention around the Interwebs the past few days, you may have seen a bunch of stuff about ThePirateBay.org, a Sweden-based Website, going on trial in Sweden. But unless you’re really into copyright laws or downloading BitTorrent files, the whole thing might be a bit confusing. But the outcome of this case will effect copyright cases from here on out.

Basically, a bunch of companies, including Warner Bros., MGM, Columbia Pictures, 20th Century Fox Films, Sony BMG, Universal and EMI are suing The Pirate Bay for various copyright infringements. But since The Pirate Bay is a BitTorrent search engine and does not actual house any of the incriminating files on any of their servers, the case is not cut and dry. Plus, after only one day in trial, half of the charges have already been dropped.

Check out a quick break-down of the whole trial at The Daily Swarm, here!

A couple of months ago we reported that Fox Studios filed a motion to halt the release date of Watchmen by Warner Brothers on March 6th.  On December 24th 2008, a judge declared, “Fox owns a copyright consisting of, at the very least, the right to distribute the Watchmen motion picture.” Last weekend attorney’s began negotiating a settlement.

Last night the matter was settled with Warner Brothers reportedly paying “a sizable cash payment” and reportedly 8.5% of Watchmen’s box office to Fox. Fox also reportedly will get a piece of any sequels or spin-offs produced. If the movie is successful this could be tens of millions of dollars. But the film’s legal troubles aren’t over yet. (more…)