May 3, 2017
Publishers Commend Senate Leaders for Timely Introduction of Register of Copyrights Bill
The Association of American Publishers (AAP) commends the strong leadership of Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) for introducing the Register of Copyrights Selection and Accountability Act. All of these lawmakers have deep experience in copyright legislation and are aware of the criticality of the U.S. Copyright Office to creativity, innovation and the public good.
The bill recognizes the complex and critical portfolio of the head of the U.S. Copyright Office, and ensures that future Registers would have both the clear authority and appropriate accountability to perform the duties of the office. An identical bill (H.R. 1695) was passed by the House last week.
AAP is the leading trade association for American book and journal publishers, representing the interests of some 400 members in the United States.