All Things Copyright

Blog Post at Copyright Alliance Underscores Importance of Defending Copyright 

Patrick Ross wrote a great piece at the Copyright Alliance blog about his artist daughter and her possible future career.  His main concern is that she always retains the right to do with her work as she desires, and we couldn’t agree more.

Ross is the Executive Director of the Copyright Alliance.  The Graphic Artists Guild is a member of the Copyright Alliance, an organization that’s dedicated to the value of copyright as an agent for creativity, jobs and growth.

As Ross points out, no one is entitled to make a living as an artist.  Only talent and perseverance will make that a reality in today’s marketplace.  But regardless of talent level or professional status, no one has the right to take the work of another without permission or proper compensation.

Ross encouraged his daughter to study English, because liberal arts schools evaluate students’ performance in the subject as a primary consideration for admissions.  That might be true, but today’s artist needs a solid background in business as well.  The realities of the marketplace demand a pragmatic approach to our profession more than ever before.

Copyright is one of our most valuable tools.  There’s little question about that, but its power lies in our individual and collective ability to properly defend it.  In a world awash in images, taking tighter control of our own property is a necessity.

The digital age is both a blessing and a curse bringing many challenges and opportunities.  It’s easier to find prospects, but competition is fiercer than ever.  Software simplified our work and expanded our creativity, but those same tools are often in the hands of those with little talent and people seeking lower fees.  Displaying our work to large audiences is more efficient, but it makes us equally vulnerable to theft. 

Most of us know that every advance of the digital age requires artists to be smarter, more vigilant and keener professionals.  As Mr. Ross’ daughter ventures out into the world of artistic commerce today, she must be cognizant that ours is a profession in a state of constant change from both sides of the coin - technologically and culturally.

That’s why all artists must stand behind their own copyright just as Mr. Ross, the Guild and thousands of others have done for decades.  Copyright is an active possession - not a passive one.

Thank you Mr. Ross for being an active copyright defender, a lesson your daughter has undoubtedly taken to heart. 

Boucher Named Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet 

Representative Rick Boucher (D-VA) was named chair of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet on January 8.  While we don’t know what impact this appointment will have for the creative community, Boucher has repeatedly sought copyright reform to the detriment of rights owners.

Boucher sought to reduce anti-duplication protections in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and wrote a column in CNet defending the right of users, primarily consumers, to make limited copies of copyrighted material as a critical element of exercising their First Amendment rights.

Most recently, Boucher introduced the Freedom And Innovation Revitalizing U.S. Entrepreneurship Act of 2007 (also called the FAIR USE Act of 2007 - not to be confused with the fair use section of the copyright law) with John Doolittle (R-CA) that would have allowed consumers to circumvent digital locks on media and limited statutory damages against individuals and firms that engaged in contributory infringement, inducement of infringement, vicarious liability and indirect infringement.

As always, the Guild will keep you informed of any further developments.