I agree with you that this casts doubt on the verdict, which doesn't do anybody any good. Still, the appellate court's contention is that being affiliated with

I agree with you that this casts doubt on the verdict, which doesn't do anybody any good. Still, the appellate court's contention is that being affiliated with a copyright law related professional organization is different than being affiliated with a particular copyright holder. Copyright law is simply a branch of legal study, interest in which is not a contentious issue per se. Furthermore, court doesn't concern itself with the political discussion around law, but in the application of law as it stands. I mean, I don't know where I personally stand in all this. But one thing is for sure, if the courts don't consider copyright law as contentious, a legislative body eventually will. Just look at the rise of the Pirate Party.