| Contacts: | Jeff Joseph tel: 703 907-7664 e-mail: jjoseph@CE.org |
Jenny Pareti tel: 703 907 7079 e-mail: jpareti@CE.org |
CEA to Highlight Problems with Hollywood-Backed State Intellectual Property Bills before State Legislators
Panel Discussion At National Conference of State Legislatures' Spring Forum Features CEA Vice President of Technology Policy
| Arlington, Virginia | 4/29/2004 |
Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) Vice President of Technology Policy Michael Petricone will participate in a panel discussion on copyright issues tomorrow at the National Conference of State Legislatures' (NCSL) Spring Forum in Washington, D.C. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Joining Petricone to debate the controversial theft-of-communications-service and camcorder piracy legislation introduced in several states in 2003 and 2004 will be representatives from the Consumer Electronics Retailers Coalition (CERC) and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).
Entertainment conglomerates are urging state legislatures to pass digital rights management bills related to technology products and services, with more than such 20 bills introduced over the past year. While the entertainment industry claims this legislation is necessary to address theft of cable and Internet service and movie piracy, these bills are so vaguely written as to criminalize the legitimate activities of consumers, innovators and retailers. For this reason, these bills have met strong opposition from consumer groups, retailers and the consumer electronics industry.
According to CEA, Hollywood's so-called "theft-of-service" legislation could result in manufacturers, retailers and their customers facing fines and criminal punishment for activities that today they take for granted, such as connecting a consumer electronics product to the Internet, or setting up and using a home network.
Law-abiding consumers could also be penalized by Hollywood's legislative proposals concerning the use of camcorders in movie theaters. CEA notes that this legislation is so vaguely written that it makes no clear distinction between movie theaters, retail stores, offices, universities, schools, or libraries.
The "Theft of Communications Service Acts" panel will be held in the Columbia Foyer on the Ballroom Level from 12:45 pm to 2:00 pm.
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 1,500 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $90 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.
CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.