2015-06-04

Note: We plan to update this roundup post with additional materials and comments/reactions as they become available.

Draft legislation/discussion document of  The Copyright Office for the Digital Economy (CODE) Act was released by Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27) and Congressman Tom Marino (PA-10).

From a News Release:

The draft legislation, Copyright Office for the Digital Economy Act or CODE Act, addresses the longstanding need for specific reforms regarding the way the U.S. Copyright Office operates. Representatives Chu and Marino are both senior members on the House Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Copyright Office.

The complete news release includes comments from the Software Industry Assoc. and the Copyright Alliance.

Overview

Fact Sheet/Section by Section Overview of CODE Act (2 pages; PDF)

Key Points (via Document Linked Above)

Establishes the U.S. Copyright Office as an independent agency.

Provides that the President will appoint a Director for one 10 year term upon the advice of a bipartisan, bicameral commission, and with consent of the Senate.

Transfers administrative functions and legal duties from the Library to the Copyright Office.

Allows the Copyright Office to deliver any and all communications directly to the legislative branch, free of executive review

Would allow the Copyright Office to physically move out of the Library and into a new federal building

Primary Document

Read the Full Text Discussion Draft (22 pages; PDF)

Statements and Reactions

Comments by Association of American Publishers (AAP)

Statement by Internet Association

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