copyright enforcement

Copyright Office Recommends Creation of Voluntary Small Claims Tribunal

by FMC Legal Intern Michelle Davis

What can you do when someone makes unauthorized use of your creative work?

In the past, we’ve seen the RIAA and the major labels go after alleged pirates and large-scale copyright infringers with some frequency—they have the money and the man-power to dedicate to litigation. But if you’re an unsigned solo artist, or a photographer or an author, the cost of taking someone to court, regardless of how flagrant the infraction, can often be prohibitive. read more

The Role of Voluntary Agreements in the US Intellectual Property System

Future of Music Coalition submitted the following written testimony in the House Subcommitee on the Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet’s hearing on “The Role of Voluntary Agreements in the US Intellectual Property System.”

FMC respects the process of multi-stakeholder engagement to identify shared solutions to persistent issues around protecting copyright and other forms of intellectual property online, but stresses that oversight, transparency and the inclusion of the independent music sector in the process is crucial to the success of these initiatives.

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House Subcommittee on the Courts,
Intellectual Property and the Internet
2138 Rayburn Office Building
Washington, DC 20515 read more

FMC Salutes Victoria Espinel's Service as IP Chief

As recent news reports reveal, the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator for the United States, Victoria Espinel, has stepped down. Appointed by President Obama in September 2009, Espinel coordinated the various federal agencies’ approach to intellectual property (IP) enforcement, serving in this post until August 9, 2013.

FMC is deeply appreciative of Espinel’s service, as we understand how complex this space can be. Digital technology has transformed the marketplace for intellectual property — providing global reach to creators, innovators and entrepreneurs, but also creating real challenges to the enforcement of rights. For the music community, this chiefly means copyright protections, but Espinel’s job also included other aspects of intellectual property, such as patents, trademarks, trade secrets and industrial design.

by FMC Policy Intern Cody Duncan
image: Môsieur J., under Creative Commons license

In June 2013, we discussed an emerging report that the French government was considering repealing portions of its HADOPI law, commonly referred to as “three-strikes.” The report suggested, among other things, eliminating the most aggressive (and controversial) portion of its anti-piracy provisions, which subjected users to suspension of Internet service after two infringement violations. While French officials were quick to point out that the report was merely a report of suggestions, it now appears that the suggestions were taken seriously, and the proposed changes have been enacted.

copyright enforcement

Copyright Office Recommends Creation of Voluntary Small Claims Tribunal

The Role of Voluntary Agreements in the US Intellectual Property System

FMC Salutes Victoria Espinel's Service as IP Chief

France's “Three-Strikes” is Out

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