Hyde Park Vice President Michael Waxman discusses copyright theft with Dan Glickman, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). The Association is taking a leading role in advocating for stronger intellectual property protection of creative works. Prior to his work with the MPAA, Secretary Glickman served for 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and was appointed Secretary of Agriculture by President Clinton.
Waxman: Many people don't know what copyright theft is and don't understand the serious consequences associated with stealing copyrighted materials. What is the MPAA doing to raise awareness on this important issue? How are you effectively communicating with your various audiences? What role does and should the media play in educating the public about copyright theft?
Secretary Glickman: The MPAA recognizes that our work is cut out for us when it comes to educating the public about copyright theft. That is why we take a multi-pronged approach to the problem - education, enforcement, legislation and, when necessary, litigation.
We understand that we will never eradicate piracy altogether, but we can certainly reduce its occurrences. For the most part, audiences are aware of piracy, but we must continue to shine a brighter light on the importance of intellectual property and the vast number of people whose jobs depend on the protection of IP, as well as the ramifications of committing piracy.
Waxman: The MPAA has taken a leading role in advocating for strong intellectual property protection of the creative works produced and distributed by the motion picture, home video and television industries. As part of your legislative agenda, what role are you encouraging Congress to take in the fight against copyright theft?
Secretary Glickman: One area that is particularly important is the criminal enforcement front of federal copyright law - exclusively the province of the federal government. Congress can ensure that it has the necessary resources to combat not only domestic but international copyright theft, which is frequently marked by increasingly sophisticated operations that involve organized crime.
With regard to intellectual property protection in the digital age, we must continue to work with Members of Congress to provide consumers with a myriad of opportunities to enjoy content in safe and hassle-free manners while ensuring that proper protections that hold true in the physical world are maintained in the digital world.
Waxman: The United States has recently filed a formal complaint against China in the World Trade Organization on their failure to comply with rules pertaining to intellectual property rights and enforcement. Do you believe that this action will help solve the piracy problem in China and encourage an international effort to more effectively combat piracy?
Secretary Glickman: China is, by virtually any and every measure, the world's largest supplier of and marketplace for pirate goods. We hope through this process the Chinese will reform their legal system so it is a deterrent to those who engage in criminal piracy, particularly on a commercial scale, and that the resulting reforms will enable officials to take actions that deter piracy on a commercial scale. Further, we hope the market access claims give U.S. industries the rights expected to do business in the Chinese marketplace without being forced to comply with draconian restrictions and limitations.
Waxman: Eric Schmidt, the CEO of Google, recently announced that YouTube is "very close" to putting its new "Claim Your Content" feature into effect, allowing the site to automatically identify and delete copyrighted content. Do you believe that this filtering system will work? If so, how will the MPAA encourage other similar sites to voluntarily create and use this technology?
Secretary Glickman: While I cannot comment on YouTube specifically, we welcome all efforts to properly enforce copyrights and help stem the tide of intellectual property theft. While there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to internet filtering technologies, our companies are proactively seeking out partnerships with the technology sector to provide the marketplace with more viable and hassle-free options. We welcome every opportunity to work with these websites.
Waxman: New technologies are constantly being developed to deliver entertainment to consumers. What do you see as the future technologies that will most shape the way we receive entertainment content? Will this new technology be a good or bad thing for your members?
Secretary Glickman: I believe we have a lot of white space in which to advance American cinema in ways that are unique and new and different. While I will not venture a prediction, I am optimistic about the future of this business. Overall, we are committed to delivering entertainment to consumers whenever and wherever they want - in flexible ways - on their preferred platforms and devices. We eagerly embrace every commercially viable entertainment delivery method, so long as it incorporates reasonable protections against the misuse of filmmakers' creative efforts.