Hello all,

On Friday, the Republican Study Committee released a policy brief on "Three Myths about Copyright Law and Where to Start to Fix it". The paper discusses four potential policy solutions: (1) reform statutory damages; (2) expand fair use; (3) punish false copyright claims; and, (4) limit copyright terms and have heavy disincentives for renewal. 

A copy of the report is attached, and "Infringement Nation" (Tehranian 2007) is available here: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1029151

On Saturday, the executive director of the RSC sent out a letter withdrawing the brief:

From: Teller, Paul
Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2012 04:11 PM
Subject: RSC Copyright PB 

We at the RSC take pride in providing informative analysis of major policy issues and pending legislation that accounts for the range of perspectives held by RSC Members and within the conservative community. Yesterday you received a Policy Brief on copyright law that was published without adequate review within the RSC and failed to meet that standard. Copyright reform would have far-reaching impacts, so it is incredibly important that it be approached with all facts and viewpoints in hand. As the RSC’s Executive Director, I apologize and take full responsibility for this oversight. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and a meaningful Thanksgiving holiday.... 

Paul S. Teller
Executive Director
U.S. House Republican Study Committee
Paul.Teller@mail.house.gov
http://republicanstudycommittee.com

More coverage: 

* http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1112/84018.html?hp=r5
http://www.volokh.com/2012/11/16/republicans-repudiate-40-years-of-tougher-copyright-laws/
http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20121116/16481921080/house-republicans-copyright-law-destroys-markets-its-time-real-reform.shtml

Best,
Stephen

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