CCIA  About Us Issues Library News + Events var WLSearchBoxConfiguration= { "global":{ "serverDNS":"search.msn.com", "market":"en-US" }, "appearance":{ "autoHideTopControl":false, "width":600, "height":700, "theme":"Blue" }, "scopes":[ { "type":"web", "caption":"CCIA", "searchParam":"site:www.ccianet.org" } , { "type":"web", "caption":"Web", "searchParam":"" } ] }  CCIA is a nonprofit membership organization for a wide range of companies in the computer, Internet, information technology, and telecommunications industries, represented by their senior executives. Created over three decades ago, CCIA promotes open markets, open systems, open networks, and full, fair, and open competition.   // Banner Ad Rotater v3.02// Author: Anarchos > anarchos3@hotmail.com > http://anarchos.xs.mw/bannerad.phtml// Courtesy of SimplytheBest.net - http://simplythebest.net/scripts/  CCIA's High Tech Scorecard CCIA Reaction To Another Privacy Organization File Under: 2008, News, Privacy Nov 19, 2008 Washington, D.C. – A new group called Future of Privacy is being created reportedly to help shape the discussion of privacy policy during the Obama administration. Jules Polonetsky, AOL’s former chief privacy officer will co-found the group along with Christopher Wolf of the Washington law firm Proskauer Rose LLP.  Antitrust Summit on Innovation and Competition Policy in High-Tech Markets File Under: News Oct 24, 2008  CCIA Pleased With White Spaces Announcement File Under: News, 2008, Telecommunications Oct 15, 2008 The Computer & Communications Industry Association is issuing thefollowing statement in response to FCC Chairman Martin's announcementthat he wants to allow portable devices to use the white spaces betweenTV broadcast channels for wireless and broadband. This can beattributed to CCIA President & CEO Ed Black: New Evidence Of Surveillance Abuse File Under: News, 2008, Telecommunications, Privacy Oct 10, 2008 Washington, DC – Two military intercept officers who worked at a National Security Agency center in Georgia told ABC News they eavesdropped on the phone conversations of hundreds of U.S. citizens overseas. The officers told how operators would pass around time codes of the calls journalists, soldiers and aid workers made to friends and family back home. CCIA Petitions FCC To Amend Definition Of Universal Service File Under: News, 2008, Telecommunications Oct 7, 2008 Washington, DC – Universal Service should be redefined to ensure low-income consumers have access to broadband service, according to a petition the Computer & Communications Industry Association filed with the Federal Communications Commission Tuesday. CCIA Says Hollywood Suit Seeks To Stifle Innovation File Under: News, 2008, Copyright Oct 1, 2008 Washington, DC – The Motion Picture Association, which represents six Hollywood movie studios, announced those studios are suing RealNetworks Inc. for releasing software Tuesday that allows consumers to copy DVDs onto their computer’s hard drive.The studios are asking for a temporary restraining order saying the downloadable software Real DVD violates the Digital Millennium Copyright Act by bypassing the copyright protection that’s built into DVDs.The Computer & Communications Industry Association disagrees with that interpretation.“Contrary to what the studios are saying, the DMCA was not intended to allow the movie industry to block a competitive business model. This is the same crowd that said the videocassette recorder would be the death of them,” said Ed Black, President & CEO of CCIA. “Real's innovative product isn't what the DMCA is supposed to prevent, and if it does, it will be another piece of evidence that the DMCA's anti-circumvention provisions are fundamentally anti-consumer.” CCIA Files Amicus Brief In Limewire Copyright Case File Under: News, 2008, Copyright Sep 26, 2008 Washington, DC – A coalition of trade associations representing smallto large companies and public interest groups have filed a friend ofthe court brief today in the case of Arista Records v. Limewire. Click here for brief CCIA Applauds Administration Warning On IP Bill File Under: News, 2008, Copyright Sep 24, 2008 Washington, DC – In a letter to the chairman and ranking member of theSenate Judiciary Committee yesterday, the Department of Justice andDepartment of Commerce express concerns with a provision in S. 3325,the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights Act.They say that despite the bill’s good intentions, the way it iswritten, it would turn DOJ attorneys into pro bono copyright lawyersfor big content providers. Op-ed: Fighting Internet suppression, gov’t spying, ISP content-bias (in The Hill) File Under: News, 2008 Sep 19, 2008 http://thehill.com/letters/fighting-internet-suppression-govt-spying-isp-content-bias-2008-09-18.htmlChina and the United States approach politics differently, but their teenagers share a favorite means of communication – text messaging. What these teens are saying to each other may matter only to them. But that they are able to communicate this easily, openly and even cheaply matters to us all. Without the freedom to have these little conversations, a nation is not equipped to have the bigger ones. *It is with the vigilance of a teen facing time without texting that we should take a day to focus not on the small screen of the phone or bigger the laptop screen, but the broader picture -- the tremendous value of an open Internet. CCIA releases paper on trade barriers Internet and e-Commerce companies face File Under: News, 2008, International Trade Sep 19, 2008 CCIA is releasing this paper today on the trade barriers Internet and e-Commerce companies face as we approach OneWeb Day Monday, Sept. 22, which is a sort of “Earth Day” to look at the Internet, it’s health and future challenges to its openness.The subject of Internet and e-commerce laws as a trade issue has been a growing topic of discussion. The USTR plans a hearing Monday, Sept. 22 on this and a coalition of tech and telecom companies, including CCIA, have sent comments on this issue to the USTR last week. Click Here for Link to CCIA's Comments to the USTRClick Here for CCIA's Paper on Internet Protectionism DOJ Antitrust Report Creates Uncertainty File Under: News, 2008, AntiTrust Sep 9, 2008 Washington, DC -- The Department of Justice released a report onAntitrust Monopoly Law yesterday. The report, "Competition andMonopoly: Single-Firm Conduct Under Section 2 of the Sherman Act,"sought to examine whether specific types of conduct run foul of Section2 of the Sherman Act. In response to the report, Ed Black, President& CEO of the Computer & Communications Industry Associationreleased this statement: News Outlets, CCIA Ask For Information in Intel Antitrust Case File Under: News, 2008, AntiTrust Aug 21, 2008 Washington, DC -- A long-standing gag order on a major antitrust case needs to be lifted, according to a motion filed today by news organizations and the Computer & Communications Industry Association. CCIA along with the New York Times, The Register, Dow Jones, the Washington Post and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press asked a federal court in Delaware to unseal records in the AMD Intel lawsuit. IBM To Be Hit With Another Antitrust Complaint File Under: News, 2008, AntiTrust Aug 11, 2008 Washington, D.C. – T3 Technologies formally announced today it had retained counsel to file an antitrust complaint against IBM in Europe. T3 is a small mainframe supplier, which bills itself on its website as an alternative to being bound by IBM. FCC To Vote Tomorrow On Network Management Violation File Under: News, 2008, Telecommunications Jul 31, 2008 Washington, DC – The FCC is scheduled to vote Friday on whether Comcastviolated federal rules when it slowed down the transmission of filesfor those using the video sharing application BitTorrent. CCIA Files Amicus Brief In Patent Office Case File Under: News, 2008, Patent Jul 29, 2008 Washington, DC – The Computer & Communications Industry Association has joined a coalition of ten other non-profit and public interest groups including The Public Patent Foundation, AARP and the Software Freedom Law Center today to file an amicus brief in a pending patent office rules case.Click here for Amicus Brief CCIA To Monitor Results, Actions From Expanded Intel Antitrust Investigation File Under: News, 2008, AntiTrust Jul 17, 2008 Washington, DC – European regulators have filed new antitrust charges against Intel today. The European Commission's Directorate-General for Competition confirmed today that it had sent Intel a supplementary Statement of Objections (SSO) outlining its preliminary conclusion that Intel has engaged in three additional elements of abusive conduct. These new charges accuse Intel of providing rebates to a prominent European computer retailer conditional on them only carrying Intel products, providing rebates to a leading computer manufacturer to delay the launch of an AMD-based product line, and providing rebates to the same computer manufacturer for stocking their laptops exclusively with Intel-based products. Tech, Education Advocates Ask Congress To Pass Visa Adjustments File Under: News, 2008, Immigration Jul 17, 2008 Washington, DC – The Computer & Communications Association joined Compete America and a broad coalition of those in education and the tech industry to ask Congress to pass changes this year to help ease the backlog in visas for highly skilled workers.The letter asks members of Congress to pass incremental adjustments to the employment-based green card system, noting that H.R, 6039, H.R. 5921 and H.R. 5882 have broad bipartisan support. IBM Tightens Stranglehold Over Mainframe Market; Gets Hit with Antitrust Complaint in Europe File Under: News, 2008, AntiTrust Jul 2, 2008 Washington, D.C. –IBM has just announced it is buying up Platform Solutions, Inc. (PSI), its small but most significant competitor. PSI is/was a small mainframe manufacturer that had sued IBM over the same anticompetitive practices in Europe and New York.The Computer & Communications Industry Association sees this as a clear attempt by IBM to purchase a company solely to foreclose competition in the mainframe marketplace, protecting IBM’s cash cow at the expense of consumers. This acquisition should be a cause of concern for competition authorities throughout the world. CCIA Asks Court For New Trial In Copyright Distribution Case File Under: News, 2008, Copyright Jun 20, 2008 Washington, DC – The Computer & Communications Industry Association joined with several organizations today in urging a federal court to grant a new trial to Jammie Thomas, who was fined $222,000 in October 2007 for allegedly violating copyrights.Thomas was found liable for unlawfully distributing music on a file sharing network, notwithstanding the lack of evidence that she had in fact done so. Her liability was based upon a startling jury instruction that the plaintiff record labels need not have proved that she actually distributed any music on the Internet to hold her liable for distributing music on the Internet. CCIA Applauds FCC Steps to Improve Broadband Data Collection File Under: News, 2008, Telecommunications Jun 13, 2008 CCIA commends the FCC for releasing the final report on its March decision on Broadband Data collection that makes significant changes that will allow the agency tocollect more accurate data on broadband penetration and speed. In response to the report, CCIA's Vice President of Government Relations Cathy Sloan released this statement: “The FCC’s effort to collect more granular data is an important initialstep towards improving U.S. broadband deployment. By collecting betterdata on broadband availability and corresponding speeds, it becomeseasier to target areas that are not adequately covered with effortsdesigned to stimulate broadband investment in those regions. Sincebroadband is an important driver of economic development, it isessential that our nation improve broadband access and speed to allAmericans. We applaud the expert agency's taking its cue from bipartisanconsensus legislation on broadband mapping that passed both the Houseof Represenatives and the Senate Commerce Committee earlier this year." Tech Association Welcomes FTC Decision To Investigate Intel On Antitrust Matters File Under: News, 2008, AntiTrust Jun 6, 2008 Washington, DC – The Computer & Communications Industry Association commends the Federal Trade Commission for opening up a formal antitrust investigation into Intel’s alleged anticompetitive practices. This news comes days after Korean antitrust regulators fined Intel $25 million for abusing its dominant position in the microprocessor market and the European Commission announced plans to rule in their case against Intel by September. Besides the recent events in Europe and Korea, Japanese regulators ruled against Intel’s practices in 2005 and the New York State Attorney General’s Office announced their own investigation in January of this year. CCIA said word of the FTC’s investigation sends a clear signal that the agency, which has been less aggressive in its enforcement in recent years, may now be taking competition in the high-tech markets—markets that are crucial to our future economic success—more seriously. South Korea Says “A-ni-yo” To Intel Practices File Under: News, 2008, AntiTrust Jun 5, 2008 Washington, DC – The South Korean antitrust ruling against Intel isseen as a portent of other pending lawsuits against the world’s largestchipmaker. Intel is facing antitrust challenges in jurisdictions aroundthe world.After a three-year investigation, The Korean Fair Trade Commission hasfined Intel $25 million for abusing its dominant position in themicroprocessor market and ordered the company to cease its illegalrebates to PC makers. This ruling comes on the heels of news that theEuropean Commission (EC) plans to rule on the case by September. CCIA Pleased At News EC Expects Intel Ruling By September File Under: News, 2008, AntiTrust May 30, 2008 Washington, DC – The European Commission said it will rule by August or September in its antitrust investigation into Intel, the world’s largest semiconductor maker, according to news reports this week.The timeline came after a spokesman for the EC denied a Financial Times Deutschland report that the Commission had reached a provisional decision against Intel. If the EC deems that Intel's anticompetitive actions were illegal, then they could fine the company up to ten percent of their annual revenue or $2.6 billion Euros and demand they alter their sales practices. US Challenges EU Tariffs On Tech Products File Under: News, 2008, International Trade May 28, 2008 Washington, DC -- The Computer & Communications Industry Association welcomed the United States Trade Representative’s announcement Tuesday that it had requested WTO dispute settlement action on duties imposed by the European Union on high-tech products covered by the WTO Information Technology Agreement (ITA). CCIA Asks State Department To Investigate Internet Censorship After Iran Incident File Under: News, 2008 May 23, 2008 Washington, D.C. – Just a day after Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., held a hearing this week to examine global Internet freedom, the Washington Post reported on the Iranian government’s crackdown on Internet sites related to women’s issues and human rights.Some of the sites, including http://wwwchange4equality.net, were among those involved in an online petition seeking 1 million signatures in hopes of encouraging the government to change what activists say are laws that discriminate against women.Today, the Computer & Communications Industry Association has sent a letter to the State Department, asking the administration to oppose constricting information in all forms. Restricting information in the media and elsewhere is a long used tool by undemocratic regimes. The letter asks the State Department to raise Internet censorship as a human rights issue on its diplomatic agenda. CCIA's Statement on Global Internet Freedom File Under: News, 2008 May 20, 2008 The Computer & Communications Industry Association is a longtime advocate of policies that provide open markets, open systems and open networks and is concerned when governments limit access to means of communications like the Internet. CCIA released this statement at this morning's hearing on Global Internet Freedom: Corporate Responsibility and the Rule of Law before the Senate Judiciary's Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law.Click Here for CCIA's StatementCCIA also sent a copy of this statement to the United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Susan C. Schwab.Click Here for CCIA's Cover Letter to USTR CCIA Praises Vote Against Media Consolidation File Under: News, Telecommunications May 16, 2008 Washington, DC – The Senate passed a joint resolution Thursday night that would nullify FCC action in December to loosen the rules on how many newspapers or broadcast stations one entity can own.The Computer & Communications Industry Association, which supports open markets, today praised Sens. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D. and Olympia Snowe, R-Maine and Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii for their initiative to pass S. J. Res. 28, which would preserve more diversity in the media. Wrap Up Of CCIA Washington Caucus File Under: News, 2008 May 14, 2008 At the Washington Caucus May 6, tech executives had the chance to engage in a dialogue and to get an update on tech measures, including several which have been stalled in Congress this session. Sixteen officials and members of Congress shared their insights on issues from patent reform to trade, FISA legislation, net neutrality, and broadband deployment, among others. While this report focuses on what CCIA members and guests heard from our distinguished presenters, the format offered frequent opportunities for CCIA’s views to be presented, and for comments, questions, and feedback from all those attending. Click here for full Caucus report New FTC Chairman Tells CCIA Priorities At Breakfast File Under: News May 7, 2008 Washington, D.C. – Federal Trade Commission Chairman William Kovacic outlined his goals including plans to prioritize evaluating the agency's effectiveness at a Computer & Communications Industry Association breakfast today.Making an analogy about medical practice, the recently-appointed chairman said the agency should engage in more follow-up as would a physician, instead of merely pronouncing the patient “well” after a decision. Kovacic indicated that the agency had started to review its previous cases to find out whether the agency decisions had helped. 35th Annual 2008 Washington Caucus File Under: Events May 6, 2008  Speakers include: Senator Byron Dorgan Senator Ron Wyden Senator Arlen Specter Senator Claire McCaskill Senator Sheldon Whitehouse Congressman Rick Boucher Congresswoman Anna Eshoo Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren FTC Chairman William Kovacic FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein Lawmakers, Tech Execs To Discuss Tech Bills File Under: News May 1, 2008 Washington, DC -- Tech executives from around the country are coming to Washington DC next week to get an update on the challenges lawmakers face getting measures passed that would help the tech industry, innovation and the economy.The discussion with Senators, House members and tech executives is part of the Computer and Communications Industry Association’s annual Washington Caucus at the Willard hotel in Washington DC. CCIA Cautions House Leadership On Enforcement-Only Immigration Approach File Under: News Apr 29, 2008 Washington, D.C. – A tech industry association is asking Congress to steer clear of an enforcement-only immigration measure some lawmakers are trying to bring toward a vote. The Computer and Communications Industry Association sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader John Boehner Tuesday outlining its concerns with H.R. 4088, the Save America Through Verification and Enforcement Act.CCIA President and CEO Ed Black told House leaders H.R. 4088 is not broad enough to address problems with immigration policy, including the critical shortage of visas for highly skilled workers.Click here for letter CCIA Applauds EU Scrutiny of IBM File Under: News, AntiTrust Apr 24, 2008 Washington, D.C. -- According to recent press reports, European Union antitrust enforcement officials have asked International Business Machines (IBM) for information about its mainframe computer business in response to an antitrust complaint filed by a small competitor, Platform Solutions, Inc (PSI). The inquiry could be the first step towards a formal investigation of unfair dealings by IBM, which is the world’s dominant supplier of mainframe hardware and software. CCIA welcomes the EU inquiry and encourages EU regulators to act expeditiously, if necessary, to ensure the integrity and competitiveness of the vital mainframe market. Mercury News Editorial: U.S. political leaders must recognize importance of free trade File Under: News, International Trade Apr 21, 2008 By Ed Black Article Launched: 04/21/2008 01:33:31 AM PDT // // 0){ document.getElementById('articleViewerGroup').style.width = requestedWidth + "px"; document.getElementById('articleViewerGroup').style.margin = "0px 0px 10px 10px"; } //]]> As the leading export industry of the nation, the high-tech sector is astrong supporter of free trade and open markets. That is why thecurrent confrontation between Congress and the Bush administration isso alarming. We believe the Colombia trade agreement is good for our nationalsecurity and foreign policy as well as for our economy. More importantthan the deadlock on this agreement itself is that it illustrates howfar the United States has strayed from the path of bipartisancommitment to free trade. For the whole article please visit: http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_8999770 Economic Analysis: Promoting Electronic Filing File Under: News, Privacy Apr 14, 2008 Washington, DC -- A new independent study examining the costs and benefits of a proposed government-run electronic tax preparation system concludes the IRS should not invest in the so-called ‘I-File’ system, which would be costly to implement and create little or no benefit for consumers compared with the existing system. “Competition in the industry obligates software companies to keep their products user-friendly and reasonably priced, and the IRS ‘Free File’ program already makes tax preparation software available to 7 out of 10 taxpayers for free,” study co-author Robert Litan said. “By comparison, an IRS I-File program would cost more than its benefits, and come with a significant risk of failure.” Click here for study Appeals Court Asked To Promote Innovation, Not Patents File Under: News Apr 7, 2008 Washington, D.C. – The Computer & Communications Industry Association is encouraging the U.S Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to reconsider some cases that have had a significant impact on patent law – State Street Bank & Trust v. Signature Financial Group and AT&T v. Excel. In an amicus brief filed Monday, CCIA argues that both the State Street and AT&T cases should overturned. CCIA: Skilled Workers' Visas Must Be Addressed File Under: News Apr 1, 2008 Washington, D.C. -- The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) today proclaimed the opening of the H-1B visa application period as a dismal anniversary symbolizing the failure of Congress to address skilled immigration reform. Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin accepting applications for H-1B temporary work visas for Fiscal Year 2009. Last year, the cap on H-1B visas for FY2008 was exceeded on April 2nd, and USCIS held a lottery among the applications that were submitted. Despite numerous calls for action from a broad range of interests, there has been no increase in the H-1B cap during the past year. As a result, it is highly likely that we will be faced with the same situation again this year, and many U.S. companies will be unable to receive the visas they need to hire highly skilled foreign workers. CCIA Praises Choice Of Kovacic To Lead FTC File Under: News Mar 26, 2008 WASHINGTON -- The promotion of FTC Commissioner William E. Kovacic to Chairman is being welcomed by the technology industry."He's knowledgeable, experienced, and has both an academic and real world understanding of the importance of competition, especially to the technology industry," Computer & Communications Industry Association President and CEO Ed Black said. "We believe the FTC has an important and ongoing role in ensuring a vibrant, competitive environment for the technology and Internet world. Chairman-Designate Kovacic appreciates the importance of creating the right regulatory framework to promote competition and innovation without unnecessary regulatory interference." CCIA Speaking At VON.x Competition Workshop File Under: News, AntiTrust Mar 14, 2008 San Jose, Calif. – It will be a real competition of ideas as some of the leading voices in competition policy come together Monday for a workshop ahead of the Spring Von.x conference.Ed Black, President & CEO of the Computer & Communications Industry, will lead off the event March 17, along with Jonathan Askin, Professor of Law at Brooklyn Law School as they present an overview of the issues painting the competition landscape.For a complete lineup of the Competitiveness Policy click here CCIA Adds Key Staff File Under: News Mar 14, 2008 Washington, D.C. – CCIA's President Ed Black today announced that Danielle Yates will be joining the Computer & Communications Industry Association as Director of External Affairs starting March 24. Yates has been director of communications and special events at the Internet Education Foundation, a nonprofit that also coordinates educational programming for the Congressional Internet Caucus. "We are excited to have Danielle join CCIA at a time when important issues are being addressed, and the foundation is being laid for addressing our industry's policy priorities for the future. Combined with the great recent addition of Heather Greenfield to CCIA's staff team as Director of Media Relations, we are looking forward to tackling some of the most important issues, challenges, and opportunities facing our industry with an expanded and prepared team." CCIA Requests Details On Human Rights Ratings File Under: News Mar 13, 2008 Washington -- As the State Department releases its 2007 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, a group advocating freedom on the Internet is questioning how much weight that issue was given in the calculation of human rights ratings.The Computer & Communications Industry Association is concerned when governments censor access to the Internet or use it for surveillance against those who disagree with their policies. Click here to see letter FISA Debate Goes Beyond Partisan Rhetoric File Under: News, Telecommunications Mar 12, 2008 Here is a summary of the op ed by CCIA President & CEO Ed Black was published in Roll Call March 11, 2008: The current controversy surrounding the Foreign IntelligenceSurveillance Act has dominated the news, and rightly so. The renewal ofFISA and its most controversial provision, retroactive immunity for thetelecommunications companies that cooperated with the government onwireless surveillance activities, will impact every American — and someof the most important industries at the center of our economic growth.To see the full article click here for linkhttp://www.rollcall.com/issues/53_106/guest/22489-1.html (subscription publication) Net Neutrality Advocates Testify At House Hearing File Under: News, Telecommunications Mar 11, 2008 The following statement can be attributed to Ed Black, President & CEO of the Computer and Communications Industry Association:This Judiciary Committee Anti-Trust Task Force hearing on net neutrality and freedom of speech is welcome given recent examples of questionable network management practices by cable operators and telecom companies.Protecting the current free market access to Web sites, content, applications and services must be the highest priority – as that is why the Internet has grown and that is why it is such a value today. CCIA: Major EU Decisions Seen As Fair, Balanced File Under: News, AntiTrust Mar 11, 2008 Washington, D.C. -- This is another big week for the technology industry in Europe. This week European Union actions are impacting Intel, AMD, Google, Doubleclick, Yahoo, Microsoft, and others as well as millions of consumers. “Increasingly it is clear that competition issues are central to the evolution of the global technology industry, and that the European Commission is an important and respected venue where these issues will be addressed thoroughly,” said Ed Black, President & CEO of the Computer & Communications Industry Association. “The EU has received much attention, and some criticism from its targets, for vigorous enforcement in some cases where the US has failed to act with equal vigor. However, the quality of review and fairness in outcomes is now widely respected, and has highlighted some weaknesses of the US in this area. The nearly simultaneous approval of the Doubleclick merger, and the hearing on Intel's abuse of competition reflect the even-handedness of the EU,” Black said Questions Remain On Intellectual Property Bill File Under: News, Copyright Mar 6, 2008 Washington, D.C. – The intellectual property legislation approved by the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property today could have been worse and could have been better, according to the Computer & Communications Industry Association. CCIA is pleased that the Subcommittee removed from H.R. 4279 some of the more troubling elements, like one that would have unnecessarily increased statutory damages. “The subcommittee wisely avoided a big mistake,” said CCIA President & CEO Ed Black, referring to the deletion of the statutory damages provision. “I hope that decision is not reversed at a later stage.” CCIA Asks House To Oppose Telecom Immunity File Under: News, Telecommunications Feb 29, 2008 Washington, D.C. -- The Computer & Communications Industry Association sent a letter to House members Friday asking them not to support retroactive immunity for major telecommunications companies as part of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act legislation.Click here to see the letter Sprint Offer Boosts Consumer Choice File Under: News, Telecommunications Feb 29, 2008 Washington, DC _ The Computer & Communications Industry Association sees Sprint’s “Simply Everything” offer announced this week as good for competition and consumers.The $99 plan is set to compete with larger carriers by offering a flat fee for unlimited voice, data, text, email and other features and services. CCIA Files FCC Reply Comments File Under: News, Telecommunications Feb 29, 2008 Washington, D.C. -- The Computer & Communications Industry Association filed reply comments to the FCC Friday in the Bit Torrent case.For a link to CCIA's comments click here Comcast Blocking BitTorrent Unfair File Under: News, Telecommunications Feb 28, 2008 Washington, D.C. _ Comcast’s solution to so called “excessive use” byBitTorrent customers is not reasonable traffic management and is notjustified, argues the Computer & Communications IndustryAssociation in reply comments filed before the Federal CommunicationsCommission Thursday. Comcast told the FCC Feb. 13 it did disrupt BitTorrent traffic becausecustomers were using too much bandwidth. “This ‘network management’tool is really an excuse for discriminatory traffic blocking,” saidCCIA President & CEO Ed Black. “Other broadband providers also usenetwork management, but they don’t single out a particular applicationto limit or decrease its customers’ bandwidth, and then offercompetitors different treatment.” CCIA Monitors Copyright Overreaching File Under: News, Copyright Feb 25, 2008 Washington, D.C. – The Computer and Communications Industry Association is encouraged by the response it received from a complaint filed with the Federal Trade Commission on consumer fair use and misrepresentations made by copyright holders. “We are pleased with the statements of the FTC that acknowledge the risks to consumer rights,” said CCIA President & CEO Ed Black. “The FTC letter issues an early warning to copyright owners that they are not immune from consumer protection laws and that the FTC will be monitoring the situation.” CCIA CEO Slams White House On Telecom Immunity File Under: News, Telecommunications, Privacy Feb 21, 2008 Washington D.C. – Ed Black, President and CEO of the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA), is prepared to publicly challenge the Administration’s claims that the failure to renew the “Protect America Act” without adding amnesty for Big Telecom companies has now placed Americans in danger.“The President’s claims are inaccurate and intentionally misleading,” Black said. “ Assuming it is true that the expiration of the “Protect America Act” would place Americans in danger, it is not true that the inclusion of a new RETROACTIVE immunity provision for presumed illegal domestic spying by major telecommunications companies is necessary, and allowing the law to lapse in order to prevent the truth from coming out in pending lawsuits means the President has chosen the secrecy, cover-up, and the safety of these companies over that of the security of the American people.” Further, it is an insult to most in our industry that implies we are not law abiding, and would fail to patriotically meet our legal obligations to cooperate with the government without retroactive immunity. CCIA Urges FCC Action On Internet Freedom, Hails Introduction Of Markey Bill File Under: News, Telecommunications Feb 13, 2008 WASHINGTON – Now is the time for the Federal Communication Commission to draw the line to preserve neutral and open access to the Internet, according to the Computer & Communications Industry Association in comments prepared for the FCC. CCIA President and CEO Ed Black said it is critical for the FCC to enforce the basic principles of its Internet Policy Statement to invigorate the social and economic benefits of the Internet, which are only possible without a gatekeeper CCIA Warns Against Telecom Immunity File Under: News, Telecommunications, Privacy Feb 11, 2008 WASHINGTON - Allowing retroactive immunity for telecom companies alleged to have illegally eavesdropped on US citizens and companies may make it difficult to get a full accounting of the actions taken by government officials and major carriers, the Computer & Communications Industry Association warned the Senate Monday.In a letter sent to all 100 Senators, CCIA President and CEO Ed Black asked legislators to vote against granting retroactive immunity to companies that may have violated federal communications law by turning over customer information to the U.S. Government. The immunity is a controversial part of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act before the Senate this week. The Association warned that is it is more critical than ever to protect the privacy and trust of citizens. CCIA Releases High Tech Scorecard File Under: News Feb 1, 2008 CCIA SCORES 110TH MORE TECH FRIENDLY Progress Sends Message to Presidential Candidates WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 1, 2008) – The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) today released its High Tech Scorecard measuring the 110th Congress’ First Session performance on technology and innovation issues facing the U.S. The scorecard ranks Members in both the House of Representatives and Senate according to their votes cast on traditional core CCIA issues such as innovation, U.S. competitiveness, and the tech economy. MPAA “Piracy” Study Flawed and Dangerous, CCIA Says File Under: News, Copyright Jan 23, 2008 WASHINGTON -- A 2005 study commissioned by the movie industry inflated drastically a key estimate of the economic cost of on-campus file sharing by students, content industry representatives confessed today. According to press reports, the misleading numbers over-represented the cost of college file sharing by a factor of three. “These erroneous figures have provided a foundation for flawed policy,” CCIA President & CEO Ed Black said. “This secret study influenced important intellectual property policy decisions. Now we see why such studies must be transparent, rather than ‘closed-source.’ " CCIA Applauds NY Attorney General on Intel Inquiry File Under: News, AntiTrust Jan 10, 2008 Background: Today New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced that his office had begun an investigation into accusations of anticompetitive behavior by Intel Corp. in the market for computer microprocessors. The following statement should be attributed to CCIA President and CEO Ed Black:“CCIA has a long history of seeking to promote innovation in our industry by supporting competition and urging targeted government involvement to halt anticompetitive behavior. Our industry is too important to be dominated by any company obtaining chokepoint control and then misusing the power that comes from such control. CCIA’s past support of actions to curb the anticompetitive behavior of AT&T, IBM, and Microsoft have all resulted in vastly improved competitive markets and greater innovation. CCIA Applauds Robust Review of Google-Doubleclick Merger File Under: News, AntiTrust, Privacy Dec 20, 2007 Washington, DC - The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) today applauded the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for its thorough examination of the Google-Doubleclick merger and its subsequent decision not to oppose the transaction. CCIA et al. District Court Amicus in Tafas v. Dudas File Under: News, CCIA Dec 20, 2007 Washington, DC - CCIA joined with a broad coalition of non-profit and public interest groups today, filing an amicus curiae (or "friend-of-the-court") brief in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, where pharmeceutical and biotechnology companies, joined by patent attorneys, are challenging new rules by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) designed to prevent abuse of the patent system. In support of the USPTO, CCIA and other amici urged immediate implementation of the new rules, which impose minimal burdens upon patent applicants in order to prevent well-documented abuses of the patent application process. CCIA Expresses Concerns over Intellectual Property Bill File Under: 2007, News, Copyright Dec 6, 2007 Washington, DC - Responding to yesterday's introduction of H.R. 4279, the "Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2007" (PROIPA) in the House of Representatives, Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) President & CEO Ed Black expressed concerns about the legislation. The following statement may be attributed to Mr. Black: CCIA Sees Peru FTA Approval as Positive, but Unbalanced Intellectual Property Provisions a Growing Problem File Under: News, 2007, International Trade Dec 4, 2007 The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) welcomed the United States Senate’s bipartisan approval of H.R. 3688, the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act, but expressed reservations about the continued inclusion of overly broad intellectual property protection provisions in the current free trade agreement template. The Peru agreement is the first of the four pending Free Trade Agreements to be voted on by this Congress, and would immediately make 80 percent of U.S. consumer and industrial exports to Peru duty-free. CCIA Applauds High Court Rejection of ‘Copyright Troll’ Petition File Under: News Dec 3, 2007 The Computer & Communications Industry Association commended a Supreme Court order today, which declined an adult content publisher’s petition to reverse an appellate court’s refusal to impose copyright liability on credit card processing intermediaries. The adult publisher Perfect 10 Inc. has sued numerous financial services companies and Internet search providers in its efforts to hold every corner of the Internet responsible for alleged online infringement of Perfect 10’s nude photographs. Perfect 10’s copyright litigiousness has led some to label it a ‘copyright troll.’CCIA has previously opposed Perfect 10’s copyright theories, including in a brief before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which defended image search providers against similarly broadly accusations of copyright infringement.“Currently, safe harbors in the law balance the interests of copyright holders against the interests of the technology and financial services industries, without whom the Internet could not effectively operate,” said CCIA President and CEO Ed Black. “Today’s decision reinforces the fact that intellectual property rights should promote creativity and innovation, rather than never-ending searches for deep pockets.”A copy of CCIA’s previous brief opposing Perfect 10 is available here. Appeals Court Patent Ruling Could Hamstring Tech Markets, Cause Consumer Uncertainty, CCIA Tells Supreme Court File Under: News, 2007, News - Unlinked Nov 15, 2007 Patent holders should not be able to demand royalties from all subsequent buyers once a product is sold into the stream of commerce, the Computer & Communications Industry Association argued in a friend-of-the-court brief before the Supreme Court. In documents filed earlier this week, CCIA attorneys urged the high court to invalidate so-called “conditional sales” that would give patent rights holders the ability to seek for royalties long after a sale was otherwise complete. For example, under the rule adopted by the lower court, a patent holder can “conditionally” sell a patented component of a product, and then seek patent royalties from subsequent purchasers, such as the product vendor, retailer, and even the end-user. Such arrangements eviscerate long-standing legal precedent and threaten the well being of the high-tech sector, CCIA’s brief argued, which depends on predictable transactions and the recombination of technologies long after the initial sale. CCIA Praises House Passage of Broadband Bill File Under: News, 2007, News - Unlinked Nov 14, 2007 WASHINGTON -- The Computer & Communications Industry Association praised passage of House legislation that promises to dramatically improve the nation’s ability to identify places unserved by high-speed Internet connections. The “Broadband Census of America Act of 2007,” (H.R. 3919), sponsored by Chairman Edward J. Markey (D-MA), reflects growing bipartisan consensus on the need for universal availability of affordable broadband access, a basic infrastructure for the 21st century. A similar measure, The Broadband Data Improvement Act (S. 1492), awaits action on the Senate floor. CCIA’s Black Tells Senate Panel That Wiretap Rules Must Protect the Internet and the Constitution File Under: News, 2007, Events, 2007 Oct 31, 2007 No Blanket Immunity For Illegal Surveillance, Black SaysWashington, D.C. - Proposed reforms to the federal government’s wiretapping powers must protect the Constitution while providing industry with clear rules regarding under what circumstances it must aid government surveillance efforts, CCIA President & CEO Ed Black told a Senate panel this morning. Black also testified against retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies who allegedly illegally spied on Americans at the government’s request, arguing that promises of immunity would allow government agents to coerce other companies into illegal acts in the future. CCIA's Black to Testify Wednesday Oct. 31 on Senate FISA Amendments File Under: News, 2007, Events, 2007 Oct 30, 2007 WASHINGTON -- Computer & Communications Industry Association President & CEO Ed Black will testify Wednesday morning Oct. 31 before the Senate Judiciary Committee on efforts to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Among other things, Black is expected to ask the Committee to refrain from granting immunity to companies that may have participated in illegal, government requested wiretapping, especially before full disclosure has occurred. CCIA: Fox News owes McCain and American Voters an Apology File Under: News, 2007, Copyright Oct 26, 2007 WASHINGTON -- Background: Sen. John McCain is using 19 seconds of video featuring himself as part of a campaign ad. The snippet, taken from a debate hosted by Fox News, clearly lies within the realm of lawful and fair use of Fox News’ broadcast. Fox, nonetheless, has demanded that the McCain campaign cease using footage of its own candidate. The following should be attributed to Computer & Communications Industry Association President & CEO Ed Black. “Fox’s assertion that Sen. John McCain has violated its copyrights by using 19 seconds of a presidential debate in a campaign ad shows once again how far the credibility of Big Content has fallen. CCIA Questions U.S. Commitment to Open Competition File Under: News, 2007, Government Competition Oct 23, 2007 WASHINGTON -- Background: The U.S. Federal Trade Commission recently declined to open a formal antitrust investigation into allegations of anti-competitive behavior by Intel Corporation. The following statement should be attributed to CCIA President & CEO Ed Black:“U.S. officials charged with enforcing our competition laws seem today far less willing to execute their duties under law than their counterparts in Europe and Asia, in particular as they relate to our vitally important technology industries. The FTC's decision not to formally investigate serious concerns over business practices in the microchip industry reflects this apparent lack of enthusiasm. CCIA Concerned Over YouTube Content Identification Tool File Under: News, 2007, Copyright Oct 16, 2007 Background: Google Inc. today announced on its policy blog that it would begin examining video clips uploaded to the YouTube video service for copyright infringement following intense pressure to do so by copyright holders. Among other things, the company will compare key components of videos uploaded to the system by third parties to copyrighted content submitted by content owners. In case of a match, YouTube is expected to block video clips that appear to infringe. A dispute resolution process would likely follow, one which may in some cases allow a reposting. However, the details of the process and operations by which YouTube, the uploader, and the content copyright claimant will interact have not been fully revealed.The following statement should be attributed to Computer & Communications Industry Association President & CEO Ed Black:“This service goes above and beyond what companies such as YouTube are legally required to do. This service could harm the dynamic and democratic flow of information on the Internet if implemented without due regard for the interests of consumers and other authors and artists. CCIA Applauds Federal Circuit Decisions Limiting Patent Subject Matter File Under: News, 2007, CCIA Sep 20, 2007 Washington, D.C. - The Computer & Communications Industry Association today applauded two opinions of the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit that limited the scope of patentable subject matter, In re Nuitjen and In re Comiskey. “These are landmark decisions, said CCIA President Ed Black. “Since the Federal Circuit abolished the exclusion for business methods in the 1998 State Street decision, it has often been assumed that there are no limits – that you can patent anything.”The Comiskey opinion states unequivocally “the application of human intelligence to the solution of practical problems is not in and of itself patentable.” It suggests that tangible technology must be involved – Fair Use Economy Represents One-Sixth of U.S. GDP File Under: News, 2007, Copyright, CCIA Sep 12, 2007 WASHINGTON D.C. - Fair Use exceptions to U.S. copyright laws are responsible for more than $4.5 trillion in annual revenue for the United States, according to the findings of an unprecedented economic study released today. According to the study commissioned by the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) and conducted in accordance with a World Intellectual Property Organization methodology, companies benefiting from limitations on copyright-holders’ exclusive rights, such as “fair use” – generate substantial revenue, employ millions of workers, and, in 2006, represented one-sixth of total U.S. GDP. The exhaustive report, released today at a briefing on Capitol Hill, quantifies for the first time ever the critical contributions of fair use to the U.S. economy. The timing proves particularly important as the debates over copyright law in the digital age move increasingly to center stage on Capitol Hill. CCIA Applauds House Passage of Patent Reform Act of 2007 File Under: News, 2007, CCIA Sep 7, 2007 Washington, D.C. - The House passage today of the Patent Reform Act of 2007 promises a better future for U.S. innovators and a revitalization of the intellectual property system that is critical to the nation’s economy.Today’s vote reaffirms that intellectual property law must “promote the progress of science and useful arts.” Today’s action is a step towards restoring balance to the patent system and rewarding those who create. CCIA Applauds New Patent Office Rules File Under: News, 2007, CCIA Aug 22, 2007 Washington, DC - The Computer & Communications Industry Association announced its support for the new rules issued today by U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) on patent applications. “This shows two things,” said CCIA President Ed Black. “It means that the PTO is serious about putting its house in order and getting its enormous backlog under control. It also shows that the Office is willing to discipline some of the abuses that have spurred demands for reform”. The PTO has a backlog of over a million pending applications. The new rules address several practices that divert PTO’s resources away from tackling genuinely new inventions. These practices, which have become increasingly common over the years, include filing of “continuations” (which allow applicants to restart the process over and over), applications with very large numbers of claims, and overlapping applications. CCIA Praises Patent Court’s Reversal on “Willfulness” File Under: News, 2007, CCIA Aug 21, 2007 Washington, DC - The Computer & Communications Industry Association praised yesterday’s unanimous en banc decision by the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, In re Seagate Technology, LLC, which rejected the court’s own precedent on the “willfulness” standard in patent infringement cases. If a patent is “willfully” infringed, the patent owner can get treble damages. The court’s old rule imposed an affirmative duty of care on anyone who learned that they might be infringing a patent, which usually meant hiring outside attorney to evaluate the likelihood that the patent was valid and infringed. The new rule requires that the patent owner show by “clear and convincing evidence” that an infringer acted recklessly in ignoring the patent. CCIA Defends Fair Use, Criticizes Frivolous Suit Against Microsoft by Adult Site File Under: News, 2007, Copyright Aug 10, 2007 WASHINGTON - Perfect 10, a litigious adult entertainment publisher, sued Microsoft yesterday, claiming that the company infringed copyright by not policing its search engine for unauthorized copies of images.In response, CCIA President and CEO Ed Black called Microsoft’s creation of thumbnail-sized images for search purposes lawful, and a fair use of others’ copyrighted works.“Many industry players rely on Fair Use to provide innovative services and fend off frivolous suits. Widespread claims such as Perfect 10’s, if accepted, would bring the Internet to a halt,” CCIA President & CEO Ed Black said. “The infrastructure of the information economy simply will not function properly if Internet companies have to devote unlimited amounts of time to policing other people’s copyrights.” In recognition of this burden, the safe harbors provision of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act provides an exclusive, expedited remedy for companies such as Perfect 10 to resolve their copyright concerns without resorting to litigation, Black said. CCIA Files FTC Complaint against NBC/Universal, MLB, the NFL and Others Alleging Years of Consumer Deception File Under: News, 2007, CCIA, Copyright Aug 1, 2007 The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) announced today that it has filed a Federal Trade Commission complaint on behalf of consumers against Major League Baseball, the National Football League, NBC/Universal and several other corporations. CCIA alleges that the named corporations have misled consumers for years, often misrepresenting their rights through deceptive and threatening statements. The complaint, part of CCIA’s newly sponsored DefendFairUse.org initiative, is aimed at exposing how media and sports organizations have systematically misled consumers with regard to their legal rights to use content, and to protect those rights in the digital age.“Every one of us has seen or heard that copyright warning at the beginning of a sports game, DVD or book,” said Ed Black, CCIA President and CEO, during a press conference at the National Press Club. “These corporations use these warnings not to educate their consumers, but to intimidate them.” CCIA: FCC Rules a Good Step Towards True Competition File Under: News, 2007, Telecommunications Jul 31, 2007 Background: Today, the Federal Communications Commission adopted ground rules for its upcoming auction of high quality, 700MHz spectrum blocks for wireless broadband networks that could offer new services as early as 2010. The FCC approved a bold new, pro-consumer policy of “open access” for one third of this spectrum, known as the C Block. This enlightened policy mandates handset device portability and prohibits application and feature blocking by any carrier operating over this particular network.CCIA’s statement on the FCC decision follows: LeMUNYON JOINS CCIA, TO STRENGTHEN AND BROADEN INDUSTRY TIES File Under: News, 2007, CCIA Jul 30, 2007 WASHINGTON—James LeMunyon, a technology company executive and former Commerce Department official, has joined the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) as Senior Advisor for Industry Relations. LeMunyon will oversee efforts to ensure that industry leaders and their business interests are fully represented by the association as it pursues its political and policy priorities.“CCIA’s current membership includes many well known names such as Google, Microsoft, Oracle, and Yahoo! as well as smaller, not-yet-famous companies,” CCIA President and CEO Ed Black said. “Our plan is to build upon this strong base and broaden industry support for CCIA’s mission. Now more than ever , legislation, regulation and litigation impact increasing numbers of companies in our industry. Yet, many companies are not sufficiently aware of the policy process or of how to protect their legitimate interests. We believe in our role as the industry’s advocate for dynamic competition, innovation and healthy growth. The competitive dynamic that flows from open markets, open systems, and open networks benefits industry as well as the public at large. Senate Action on Patent Bill Helps Restore Balance to Patent System, CCIA Says File Under: News, 2007, CCIA Jul 20, 2007 WASHINGTON -- The Senate Judiciary Committee’s approval last night of the Patent Reform Act of 2007 marks a turning point in the struggle to revitalize laws critical to the nation’s economy.The Computer & Communications Industry Association urges swift passage of the measure by both chambers of Congress so that the President may sign it into law.The Senate Committee vote kept “apportionment” language that would require courts to consider the value of an infringed patent relative to the total value of the product in which it is used. CCIA wholeheartedly supports the Committee’s approach to apportionment because it sets up a common sense framework for giving the inventor what he or she is entitled to, neither more nor less. Since high-tech products and services often include hundreds, sometimes thousands of possibly patentable functions, current law often results in damages that are wildly disproportionate to the relative economic contribution of the patent. Committee Action on Patent Bill a Victory for Innovation and U.S. Economy Alike, CCIA Says File Under: News, 2007, CCIA Jul 18, 2007 The House Judiciary Committee’s passage today of the Patent Reform Act of 2007 promises a better future for U.S. innovators and a revitalization of the intellectual property system that is critical to the nation’s economy.The Computer & Communications Industry Association urges swift passage of the measure by both chambers of Congress so that the President may sign it into law.Today’s vote reaffirms that intellectual property law must not simply enrich rights holders but, as the Founders themselves wrote, “promote the progress of science and useful arts.” Today’s action is a step towards restoring balance to the patent system, rewarding those who create and hindering those who would abuse the system for unjustified gain. Merger Report Unconvincing, CCIA Says File Under: News, 2007 Jul 17, 2007 BACKGROUND: The Precursor Group today released a thinly researched paper that purported to show anticompetitive effects of the proposed Google-DoubleClick merger. Precursor President Scott Cleland also heads a coalition that has attempted to demonize Google as part of its strategy to stop net neutrality measures in Congress and the Federal Communications Commission.Below is a statement by Computer & Communications Industry Association President & CEO Ed Black responding to Cleland’s “Googleopoly” report:“CCIA began as and remains an aggressive proponent of open markets, open computing systems and open networks. We were involved with the most important antitrust cases of our time, from U.S. v. IBM to the breakup and divestiture of AT&T and the major antitrust proceedings against Microsoft Corp. CCIA Calls for Swift Action on Patent Reform Act of 2007 File Under: News, 2007, CCIA Jul 10, 2007 As crucial committee "mark-up" hearings of the Patent Reform Act of 2007 approached, CCIA President & CEO Ed Black wrote Congress to explain the need for patent reform and to highlight the urgency of the situation. "Passage of the Patent Reform Act of 2007 is essential in order to maintain our industry’s competitive edge and spur economic growth, investment, and job creation," Black wrote. CCIA Cautions Against Holding ISPs Liable for Users' Acts File Under: News, 2007, Telecommunications Jul 5, 2007 CCIA joined with other tech industry voices today in submitting a "friend-of-the-court" amicus curiae brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, explaining the economic disaster which could befall the online economy if ISPs and telecommunication intermediaries were held responsible for each byte which crossed their networks. In the current case, a plaintiff seek to hold Yahoo responsible for alleged criminal acts committed by someone using a Yahoo service. "Let the Truth Come Out." Says CCIA on Wiretap Case File Under: News, 2007, Telecommunications, Privacy Jun 21, 2007 BACKGROUND: The US Department of Justice has asked a federal court in San Francisco to block subpoenas concerning possible privacy violations committed by the federal government and telecommunications companies during wiretap investigations. Attorneys General from five separate states recently served the subpoenas on several telecommunications providers.“The case being heard today in federal court has profound significance for the technology industry, the public and their relationships to the federal government,” Ed Black, President and CEO of the Computer & Communications Industry Association said today.“We fully support Attorneys General who demand information from telephone companies, companies that may have violated the law and their duty to their customers in processing federal wiretap requests,” Black said. “Public confidence in the privacy of lawful communications over electronic networks is essential.” CCIA Cautions Court Against Misapplying Copyright to Innovative New Services File Under: News, 2007, Copyright Jun 9, 2007 CCIA joined a broadly supported amicus brief today in Twentieth Century Fox v. CSC Holdings, Inc. (‘Cablevision’) warning a federal appeals court against rewriting copyright rules for computer networks and online service providers.The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit is scheduled to review a lower court finding that Cablevision directly infringed copyrights by offering a remote digital video recording (DVR) service to its subscribers. Rather than a typical in-home DVR such as TiVo, Cablevision’s service records and stores a requested television show at a central location and sends the programming to the consumer over the network at a later time. CCIA Supports Patent Reform, Warns of Self-Interested Patent Institutions File Under: News, 2007, Copyright Jun 6, 2007 WASHINGTON -- Congress should discount criticism of patent reform emanating from the US Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, The Computer & Communications Industry Association said today.“CCIA strongly supports the reform legislation,” CCIA President and CEO Ed Black said. “Real reform requires changing not just symptoms but also causes, including agencies responsible for problems with the operation of the patent system. As many have observed, patent institutions have their own, self-interested perspectives on the patent system.”(CCIA's entire statement on PTO and Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit can be found here: <http://www.ccianet.org/docs/patent/CCIA_Statement_on_CAFC_and_PTO.pdf>) CCIA Calls for Adoption of Cantwell-Cornyn Immigration Amendment File Under: International Trade, News, 2007 Jun 6, 2007 WASHINGTON -- The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) today joined other trade associations in calling for adoption of the Cantwell-Cornyn amendment to the comprehensive immigration reform bill now being debated in the United States Senate. The amendment would establish an employer-sponsored, merit-based green card system alongside the self-sponsored, merit-based points system already in the bill. The language would also restore advanced degree exemptions previously removed from the H-1B visa cap. These provisions are critically important to CCIA’s longstanding efforts to safeguard U.S. companies’ continued access to the highly skilled, foreign-born workers they need. CCIA: Victory in Perfect 10 case, Fair Use, Industry, Consumers Win File Under: News, 2007, Copyright May 16, 2007 The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit today largely vindicated Google Inc. and Amazon in a copyright infringement case brought over thumbnail-sized photos that appear in their search engines. The Court reached this conclusion for a number of reasons including this simple fact: Google’s and Amazon's search services crawl the entire World Wide Web and indexes it publicly unless site owners give the search engines clear instructions otherwise.CCIA filed an amicus brief in support of Google and Amazon in Perfect 10 v. Amazon along with other tech. trade associations. CCIA: Outlandish Copyright Proposals Breed Contempt, Undermine IP Law File Under: News, 2007, Copyright May 15, 2007 Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' proposed copyright overhaul on behalf of the nation's record companies would in fact undermine intellectual property law, the Computer & Communications Industry Association said today.Language sent to Capitol Hill by the Attorney General would enact dangerous and bizarre changes to copyright law. Among other things, the proposal would: Eupaco 2, to be held in Brussels May 15-16 File Under: Events, 2007 May 15, 2007 What is the future of the EPO and the national patent offices in anintegrated Europe? How can Europe's patent system be re-engineered toovercome its fragmentation? On 15 and 16 May 2007 we bring togetherover 30 experts to discuss benefits and costs, quality, diversity ininnovation, and institutions and innovation. As keynote speakers wepresent: CCIA Responds to Microsoft's Saber Rattling on Patents File Under: News, 2007, Copyright May 14, 2007 CCIA President and CEO Ed Black today expressed grave concern about authoritative statements from a Microsoft official that Linux and other key open source software programs violate Microsoft patents. Microsoft made the statements in interviews with Fortune Magazine.“Microsoft’s assertion that developers of open source software like Linux and OpenOffice owe royalties for use of ‘its’ technologies is very troubling,” Black said. “The company hints it will demand payment from developers and, just maybe, end users in government and business. This sort of talk is as shocking as it is baseless, and likely based on patents that are questionable at best. CCIA’s Black: Copyright Holders Need to Think Before They Sue File Under: News, 2007, Copyright May 7, 2007 Washington -- Two companies that have filed suit against YouTube and Google should have done their homework before firing off federal class actions, the Computer & Communications Industry Association said today.In papers filed Friday, England’s Football Association Premier League and Bourne Co. each accused YouTube and Google of intentionally hosting video that allegedly violates their copyrights. YouTube, they claimed, was profiting at their expense.In response, CCIA President and CEO Ed Black issued the following statement: Supreme Court and KSR: CCIA Calls it Most Pro-Innovation Ruling in Years File Under: Copyright, 2007, News Apr 30, 2007 Washington, DC - The Computer & Communications Industry Association hailed a unanimous decision by the Supreme Court of the United States this morning in KSR International v. Teleflex to restore the standard of what is patentable under U.S. patent law. The so-called “nonobviousness” standard had been so eroded by lower courts that patent applicants routinely obtained exclusive rights over obvious and mundane activities. As a result, ‘junk’ patents now litter the innovation environment, increasing costs and litigation. CCIA President Calls for End to Industry Warfare over Patent System File Under: Copyright, News, 2007 Apr 27, 2007 With the debate over patent reform back in full swing, CCIA President & CEO Ed Black responded to a statement by the president of BIO. “We understand how valuable patents are to biotechnology and pharmaceuticals,” said Black. “But instead of forcing IT into their vision of the patent system, we urge these industries to work collaboratively to design a more flexible system that can optimize innovation across all sectors of the economy.” Economic Analysis On Promoting Electronic Filing File Under: News, Privacy Apr 14, 2008 Washington, DC -- A new independent study examining the costs and benefits of a proposed government-run electronic tax preparation system concludes the IRS should not invest in the so-called ‘I-File’ system, which would be costly to implement and create little or no benefit for consumers compared with the existing system. “Competition in the industry obligates software companies to keep their products user-friendly and reasonably priced, and the IRS ‘Free File’ program already makes tax preparation software available to 7 out of 10 taxpayers for free,” study co-author Robert Litan said. “By comparison, an IRS I-File program would cost more than its benefits, and come with a significant risk of failure.” Click here for the study CCIA: Skilled Worker Visas Must be Addressed File Under: News Apr 1, 2008 Washington, D.C. -- The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) today proclaimed the opening of the H-1B visa application period as a dismal anniversary symbolizing the failure of Congress to address skilled immigration reform. Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin accepting applications for H-1B temporary work visas for Fiscal Year 2009. Last year, the cap on H-1B visas for FY2008 was exceeded on April 2nd, and USCIS held a lottery among the applications that were submitted. Despite numerous calls for action from a broad range of interests, there has been no increase in the H-1B cap during the past year. As a result, it is highly likely that we will be faced with the same situation again this year, and many U.S. companies will be unable to receive the visas they need to hire highly skilled foreign workers. CCIA Open House October 18 File Under: Events, 2007 Oct 16, 2007  CCIA Applauds Antitrust Modernization Commission’s New Economy Recommendations File Under: 2007, AntiTrust, News Apr 9, 2007 Washington, DC - TheComputer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) todayapplauded the Antitrust Modernization Commission’s recommendationscalling for continued traditional antitrust enforcement in high-techmarkets. As CCIA stressed last year in written testimony before theCommission—while the complexities and unique features of high-techmarkets will require regulators to reexamine some of their measures andprocedures, antitrust law is no less relevant today then it was acentury ago. No one wants excessively detailed regulatory intrusioninto their affairs, but antitrust sets the rules of the road forbusiness, and the tech industry needs those rules as much as anyone.Antitrust law is designed to protect the free market not harm it. CCIA | |
