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Several health departments and officials in the state of Nebraska have been named in a lawsuit filed by the National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) for alleged copyright infringement.

The National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) has filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska against three state health departments, alleging copyright infringement.

The suit cites the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, Douglas County Department of Health and Lincoln/Lancaster County Department of Health, as well as individuals within those departments, for using materials from NSPF's Certified Pool/Spa Operator® Handbook (published 1983-2007).

"It is unfortunate that we are forced to file suit to recover damages against agencies and individuals in a profession we have worked so hard to help," says NSPF CEO, Thomas M. Lachocki, PhD. "Any damages received by NSPF beyond our attorney fees will be directed to our grant budget to fund projects to protect citizens."

The association alleges these health departments agreed to cease and desist using the materials in June 2009; however, they did not completely removed the NSPF's copyrighted materials from the Internet and have refused to compensate for any losses caused by the infringement. An additional health department in Nebraska reached an out-of-court settlement with NSPF.

The materials in question were registered by NSPF with the U.S. copyright office. As a result, those violating the copyright may be held liable for damages and attorney's fees.