For Immediate Release
Sept. 27, 2006
This morning, the House Judiciary Committee decided not to proceed with a markup of HR 6052, the Copyright Modernization Act. The bill would put in place a needed new system of licensing for digital music. At the same time, the bill would place new restrictions on innovative devices that allow consumers to record music for future listening by subjecting satellite radio services to extra fees for the creation of temporary computer files necessary for playback of music. The bill also would preempt some state laws that would help artists receive royalties they were owed. During the markup, Intellectual Property Subcommittee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Tex.), said he didn't want to put members of the Committee through a difficult process for a piece of legislation that could not be enacted this year.
The following is a statement from Gigi B. Sohn, president of Public Knowledge:
“We are pleased the Committee decided to take the wise course of action and not proceed with the legislation. As members said, there are many controversial measures in this bill. We look forward to working with the Committee to modernize music licensing. At the same time, we have to make certain that consumers retain their right to record music for personal use and that they will have the benefit of new services that allow them to do so. We also want to make certain companies will be free to offer the innovative devices consumers have come to expect and to enjoy.”
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.