Copyright Issues Chasing the Presidential Campaigns
The Copyright Alliance, an organization comprised of the Motion Picture Association of America, the Recording Industry Association of America, and many of their members, is intent on “promoting the cultural and economic benefits of copyright, providing information and resources on the contributions of copyright, and upholding the contributions of copyright to the fiscal health of this nation and for the good of creators, owners and consumers around the world.” In essence, they want to build up strong protections of their creative works, prevent piracy and unlicensed use, and seek to justify these positions based in part on their individual interests, but also claim that their issue is of national importance.
In an effort to increase their visibility within the presidential campaign forum, and likely to ‘corner’ candidates into supporting their positions, the Alliance produced a letter and a questionnaire for its members to send to the campaigns. This is a common tactic of major organizations to press candidates on their positions, and often, completing the questionnaire (and answering it ‘correctly’), is a requirement for any organizational endorsements.
Couched in broad themes, the 5 questions generally seek out a candidates position on copyright protection, digital rights and the economy, enforcement, inclusion in trade agreements, and the relationship of free speech to copyrights.
It would be interesting to see if, and how, candidates respond to these questions. It is likely that candidates will use phrase-ology that speaks to the Alliance’s concerns, but avoids any overly broad commitments or new initiatives. One hopes that candidates do respond, and that the Alliance posts all responses, as it would provide good insight into the candidates position on this somewhat marginal issue in the presidential campaign.