TPA Legislation Should Incorporate Stronger Copyright Provisions, Say House Members
The Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act of 2014 falls short of ensuring internet-related service and goods trade is sufficiently protected, said Reps. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., and Jared Polis, D-Colo. and five other lawmakers in a letter submitted to House Ways…
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and Means and Senate Finance leadership on May 6. The legislation, the most recent iteration of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) introduced in both chambers in January, mandates U.S. trade agreements include intellectual property protection “similar” to U.S. law (see 14030520). But the legislation fails to emphasize the "vision of the importance of the internet throughout its provisions,“ said the letter. “In addition to ensuring that these provisions of our law are exported, we encourage you to include specific language directing negotiators to export copyright limitations, exceptions and safe harbors, which enable online business and the Internet community to thrive.” Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., recently vowed to propose alternate TPA legislation (see 14040919). His office did not immediately respond for comment on the its copyright provisions.