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A Win For Creators: CASE Act Advances, Preps For Full Vote In Congress
"Music creators are one step closer to having a simpler and more cost-effective way to defend their original works against infringement." –Daryl Friedman, Conversations In Advocacy #65
Good news from D.C. this week: The Copyright Alternative Small Claims Enforcement Act (CASE Act) was successfully marked up and passed in the House Judiciary Committee late Tuesday.
“With the House Judiciary Committee’s passage of the CASE Act, music creators are one step closer to having a simpler and more cost-effective way to defend their original works against infringement,” said Daryl Friedman, Chief Industry, Government & Member Relations Officer of the Recording Academy. “I urge both chambers to pass this legislation to eliminate the unfair advantage against creators that currently exists in copyright law and protect the viability of the music industry.”
The @HouseJudiciary and @JudiciaryGOP have passed the #CASEAct without objection!
Here’s how the legislation will empower creators: https://t.co/jvDUFCEfrl pic.twitter.com/x3kjMcHwkZ— GRAMMY Advocacy (@GRAMMYAdvocacy) September 11, 2019
The CASE Act is now ready for a full vote in both Congressional chambers, and there is hope the next vote could take place in the next few weeks.
The bill will create the Copyright Claims Board at the U.S. Copyright office, creating a small claims court and capping claim damages to provide better and more efficient copyright infringement protection, empowering artists, songwriters and other creators who can't afford big budget legal fees associated with Federal court action.
The CASE Act boasts widespread and bipartisan support, with more than 100 Congressional co-sponsors and a robust list of creative organizations and unions behind it. Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, points out the bill, "Will create a more streamlined and significantly less costly means for photographers, songwriters and graphic designers to fight property theft and protect their livelihoods.
The CASE Act will help small creators ranging from song writers to authors, photographers, & graphic designers. I hope the House will pass the #CASEAct as soon as possible to give these creators a new tool to better protect their intellectual property.https://t.co/YpgeIrCPmk
— Rep. Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) September 11, 2019
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and lead author of the bill, added, "The establishment of the Copyright Claims Board is critical for the creative middle class who deserve to benefit from the fruits of their labor."
Also, as creators across the U.S. prepare for the Recording Academy's District Advocate day on Oct. 2, it is reassuring for music makers to see that lawmakers are working to ensure the viability of their profession. Recording Academy members will be meeting with local lawmakers on District Advocate day to discuss key issues affecting the music community.
As the CASE Act gains steam toward becoming law, now is prime time to contact your Members of Congress and urging them to support all creators by co-sponsoring the act to push it one step closer to the president’s desk.
Let Your Representatives Know You Stand In Support Of Music Creators' Rights