Important examination of what a 21st century copyright office needs

Important examination of what a 21st century copyright office needs

February 26, 2015, The Hill

Congressman Howard Berman has co-authored this op-ed on what a 21st century copyright office needs:

"Copyright legislation is rarely partisan, but it can often become as heated and controversial among industry participants as any partisan issue. But whatever position one has on copyright policy, the copyright laws ‒ and the books, movies, music, photographs, and other works protected by copyright ‒ unquestionably have a dramatic impact on our economy. One frequently cited study found that the copyright industries contributed more than $1 trillion to the U.S. gross domestic product in 2013."

"Today’s House Judiciary Committee hearing on “The U.S. Copyright Office: Its Functions and Resources” is refreshing because it charts promising new territory. And because everyone benefits from a modern, well-functioning Copyright Office, there is real opportunity that this hearing may lead not only to bipartisan cooperation, but to cooperation among and between industries that often find themselves at odds."