DiMA Disappointed by IP Enforcement Bill: “Boon for Attorneys; Bust for Legitimate Online Innovators”

(Washington, DC – October 26, 2011) Gregory Alan Barnes, Director of Government Affairs for the Digital Media Association, issued the following statement today in response to the introduction of H.R. 3261, the “Stop Online Piracy” Act, which is intended to help curtail online infringement:

“Today’s introduction of the Stop Online Piracy Act offers very little to legitimate online distributors of music, movies and books; and even less to consumers who are looking to gain access to such materials in a legal manner. Numerous studies repeatedly indicate that the best way to prevent online infringement from occurring is through the development of a robust system of licensing that responds to consumer demand.  Yet, instead of adopting such an approach, the Stop Online Piracy Act champions the implementation of a convoluted system of enforcement procedures replete with countless new vague terms. For trial attorneys interested in increasing their billable hours, the introduction of the Stop Online Piracy Act represents a major victory.  For legitimate online distributors and the average consumer, however, the bill is reminiscent of a B-rated movie – clichéd script and all.”