Congress Should Not Tolerate "Copyright Abuse" That Denies Parents Freedom to Make Positive Family Choices

Families who want more control over what their children see and hear should not be denied by a narrow reading of the copyright law as urged by the big movie studios, Consumer Electronics Association (CEAΒ?) Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Michael Petricone argued, referring to testimony submitted today before a congressional subcommittee.

"We commend Chairman Stearns, Ranking Member Schakowsky and the Subcommittee for looking into these critical issues," Petricone said. "The Hollywood lawsuit against CleanFlicks is a perfect example of the copyright law run amok. There is simply no reason why parents should not be able to use new technologies to shield their children from graphic sex and violence."

Written testimony was submitted on behalf of CEA and the Home Recording Rights Coalition (HRRC) to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection for a hearing exploring, "Editing Hollywood's Editors: Cleaning Flicks for Families."

"Copyright protection is already at a historically high water-mark. Unfortunately, the big studios are now using their power to restrict reasonable and legal options for families," Petricone continued. "We think it is important for Congress to give parents the freedom to make positive choices. Entrepreneurs should be empowered to provide them with the tools to make those choices. That is one of the reasons we have been so supportive of H.R. 1201, sponsored by Congressman Boucher (D-VA).

"H.R. 1201 allows consumers who have lawfully acquired movies, albums and other content the ability to use them for personal and noncommercial purposes. H.R. 1201 would also empower parents to better control access to inappropriate content on DVD movies, to help their children use technology to prepare multimedia reports for school presentations and to otherwise enhance their freedom to use content they have lawfully acquired."

HRRC is urging concerned consumers to visit its web site, www.HRRC.org, to send a message to Members of Congress about the importance of fair use rights in the digital age.