Judiciary Committee to Hold Hearing on Copyright Small Claims Legislation
September 27, 2018
Washington, D.C. -- Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, September 27 at 2:00 pm., the House Judiciary Committee will hold a legislative hearing on the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2017 (H.R. 3945).
Visual artists have identified the lack of such a small claims process as a major detriment to their ability to hold those who fail to meet the terms of their contract accountable or even someone who outright steals their creation. The Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act, which is based on a two year U.S. Copyright Office study requested by the former House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith, creates an opt-out alternative dispute system called the Copyright Claims Board within the Copyright Office. The Board would consist of three Copyright Claims Officers serving for staggered six-year terms and associated staff who will hear the cases.
Witnesses for the hearing are:
- Mr. David Trust, Chief Executive Officer, Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
- Mr. Matthew Schruers, Vice President, Law and Policy, Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA)
- Ms. Jenna Close, Director of Photography, Buck the Cubicle
- Mr. Jonathan Berroya, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Internet Association
- Mr. Keith Kupferschmid, Chief Executive Officer, Copyright Alliance