IFTA Pushes for Greater Online Copyright Protections

LOS ANGELES: The Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) is urging the Department of Commerce and other government agencies to take stronger action in the battle against online piracy, which it says has put future productions at risk by harming independents’ ability to recoup minimum guarantees.

IFTA’s argument for stronger government measures to fight online copyrighted content theft was submitted in response to the Commerce Department’s Patent and Trademark office opening an inquiry into "Copyright Policy, Creativity, and Innovation in the Internet Economy."

“The policy and technological solutions that emerge from this proceeding should assist in establishing a transparent framework that takes into account advances in technology and the need for protection of copyright to encourage further innovation,” said IFTA’s president and CEO, Jean Prewitt. “We believe solutions are achievable through government leadership and cooperation among all stakeholders and are necessary to ensure that investment in independent content can be recouped and new online distribution models developed.”

IFTA is recommending that the government act as a convener of interested stakeholders, with oversight in establishing mechanisms to protect copyright and innovation in the digital landscape. It is also looking for measures to ensure that all stakeholders are actively included and involved in “industry at large” discussions and solutions, with the government determining ways that will simplify and encourage cooperation among stakeholders to combat repeat infringers. IFTA is calling for the adoption of international standards, such as those contained in the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Act, which will provide a worldwide framework for enforcement against those who illegally profit from or otherwise cause damage to investment in intellectual property.