Live from the Exponential
Thursday, October 11th, 2007 by Gayle Osterberg
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About 400 copyright holders, members of the media, and policy
makers and staff are gathered here on Capitol Hill for the first annual
Copyright Alliance Exponential, an event designed to promote the idea that
copyright is an engine for creativity, jobs and growth.
BMI’s booth is a crowd favorite, with songwriters Isaac
Hayes, David Porter and Chuck Brown.
John Conyers, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee,
announced plans to introduce a bi-partisan bill in coming weeks that seeks to
make sure copyright enforcements measures throughout the federal government are
working effectively.
“When you walk into this room, copyright becomes real. It’s tangible. We being to get a better feel of it,”
the Chairman noted.
The copyright community appreciates the leadership of
Chairman Conyers and looks forward to seeing his bill.
Chris Israel, Coordinator for International Intellectual
Property Enforcement for the Executive Branch, followed the Chairman and
summarized well the significance of today’s event. “It’s important we continue
to remind ourselves what’s at stake here.
What we’re really talking about is growth; it’s productivity; it’s
creativity and the impact on the lives of everyone who comes into contact with
the products of the companies represented here.
“If we don’t get this right, and lead the way on this issue,
there are very few who will pick up that flag and carry it forward,” he said.
Stuart Taylor, a journalist and newly minted copyright
holder as author of a new book called “Until Proved Innocent”, and cartoonist
Lloyd Dangle, provided perspective from creators.
Mr. Dangle creates 1,200-1,400 copyrighted works every year.
“There are tens of thousands of people like me. You see the work of graphic
artists all around you. Many are self-employed small business people.”
Fran Nverkla, Board Director of PPL/VPL, the Alliance’s
first European-based board member, provided an international voice. “Without
copyright protection, we will suffer and be unable to invest in new business or
look to the future.” I couldn’t agree more.
The Alliance today unveiled two new features on our web
site, which is already rich in resources – this blog, and the Copyright Across
America map of industry statistics in all 50 states.
