Several US trade associations representing the high-tech and communications industries raised concerns this week about a bill in Congress that would boost the US government’s ability to take down websites over fears of intellectual property infringement. The tech industry groups argued the bill could have a negative impact on the economy and jobs.
At issue is S. 968, the Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act (PROTECT IP). The bill was introduced earlier this year (IPW, US Policy, 15 May 2011).
In a 12 October letter [pdf] to key members of the House and Senate, the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA), Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), and the NetCoalition, asked for stakeholder meetings to discuss the bill.
We commend these U.S. trade associations that have joined the growing group of organizations opposing the PROTECT IP Act. Not only could this bill “have a negative impact on the economy and jobs,” but if passed, it would take away Americans’ access to legitimate international online pharmacies (and thus, affordable medicine). PROTECT IP’s definition of what constitutes a rogue site is far too broad. It doesn’t distinguish between the “good guys”–the licensed, legitimate pharmacies that require a doctor’s prescription–and the “bad guys” who sell everything from diluted or counterfeit medicine to narcotics without a prescription.
International online pharmacies sell brand-name prescription drugs for roughly 50 to 80 percent less than U.S. prices. Americans can’t afford to lose access to this virtual lifeline.
RxRights is a national coalition of individuals and organizations dedicated to promoting and protecting American consumer access to sources of safe, affordable prescription drugs. The Coalition is encouraging consumers to send letters regarding PROTECT IP’s threat to affordable medicine to Capitol Hill and the White House. For more information or to voice your concern, visit http://www.RxRights.org.
[…] is available here (pdf). Recent Intellectual Property Watch stories on the subject include here and here.] Related Articles:US Chamber Urges More IP Protection As Job Booster; Tech Supporters […]
[…] Technology industry representatives this month made their concerns known about the Senate version, S. 968, the PROTECT-IP Act, introduced earlier this year (IPW, US Policy, 14 October 2011). […]
[…] Tech Industry Raises Concern Over Protect IP Act | Intellectual … Several US trade associations representing the high-tech and communications industries raised concerns this week about a bill in Congress that would boost the US government’s ability to take down websites over fears of intellectual property … Why SOPA Is Dangerous The PROTECT IP Act (Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011), better known as PIPA was introduced into the Senate by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT). The act’s goals were described by … Fixed Gear Blog: Stop Online Piracy Act and PROTECT IP Act !!! Stop Online Piracy Act and PROTECT IP Act !!! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:SOPA_initiative/Learn_more. Posted by Jussi at 10:30 PM. Labels: freedom, internet, PIPA, SOPA, Stop Online Piracy Act and PROTECT IP Act … […]