By Andrew Ramonas | Corporate Counsel
Members of a U.S. House of Representatives panel saw copyrights through different lenses Thursday.
Donning special glasses, members of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet viewed a 3-D video clip as part of a hearing that featured music, photo, and movie industry representatives, all touting the economic benefits of strong copyrights. Leaders from the Copyright Alliance, Getty Images Inc., the American Society of Media Photographers, Yep Roc Records and Redeye Distribution Inc., and 3-D moviemaker Stereo D LLC said robust copyright protections are vital for their industries’ growth and survival in the digital age.
John Lapham, senior vice president and general counsel of Getty Images, said his company faces challenges with copyright infringement online. The media company has technology in place to pursue pirated content, but it isn’t enough, according to Lapham. But Congress can help, he said.
“Our goal in reviewing licensure laws should be to protect creativity and still allow for an active and intelligent marketplace for searching and licensing creative works,” Lapham told the subcommittee. “When we do so we can all benefit from content that moves, inspires, provokes, educates, and encourages.”
If you’d like to discuss intellectual property issues, contact Robert Iussa, chair Rose Law Group Intellectual Property Dept., riussa@roselawgroup.com rhurley@roselawgroup.com
