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Copyright Update: Big Start to 2018
Your hard work is finally paying off. The Small Claims copyright legislation PPA has been fighting for on Capitol Hill is just around the corner. H.R. 3945 will finally protect photographers with a legal recourse in the case of theft of their images. It's bipartisan, uncontroversial, and moving forward right this minute. What's inside the Small Claims bill?
It establishes a copyright-specific tribunal to oversee the processIt introduces online claim-filing and resolution hearings via video conference, without the requirement of an attorney.It accepts claims without prior registration with the U.S. Copyright OfficeIt keeps costs at a minimumIt keeps intact the option to pursue a copyright claim in Federal CourtIt provides an effective infringement remedy for copyright compensation
As we all call on our representatives to co-sponsor the bill, you can rest easier knowing the gains made this month! At the start of 2018:
There are two new Small Claims co-sponsors! This brings our total up to seven! Representative Nadler (D-NY), the ranking member of the Judiciary, has signed on. This is a big deal and thankfully Nadler has always been quick to stand up for creative artists! Also, Rep. Cicilline (D-RI) has joined. Elected in 2011, Rep. Cicilline is currently on the Judiciary Committee, so that is a huge plus since that is where our bill currently resides. They join Reps. Tom Marino (R-PA), Doug Collins (R-GA), Lamar Smith (R-TX), Judy Chu (D-CA), and Ted Lieu (D-CA). Be sure to thank them all on social media! We have collected over 850 Small Claims postcards that we'll hand deliver to Congress. In fact, PPA CEO David Trust is delivering Georgia's postcards today. These postcards were filled out by the attendees of Imaging USA 2018. We have well over 150 video testimonials about why Small Claims matters so much. These videos were done onsite at Imaging USA 2018 by PPA and Social Box. These testimonials will also be shared with Congress. Which brings us to...Announcing the winners of the TRIP TO WASHINGTON D.C.! The following participants of the postcard and Social Box initiatives won a trip to come lobby with PPA on Capitol Hill! Congratulations to:Shaun ReillyJames ClarkPortia ShaoFloyd CarrollJoshua Barry
We'll keep you posted as they travel to D.C. and help us fight for the Small-Claims Bill!
