Press

Public Knowledge Files PSTN Reply Comments

February 25, 2013

Today Public Knowledge filed reply comments in the PSTN transition docket at the FCC. The filing urges the Commission to adopt a framework of fundamental principles to guide the transition to an all-IP phone network. PK's comments explain the importance of building a consumer-focused framework.

The following can be attributed to Harold Feld, Senior Vice President of Public Knowledge:

"The Commission must move forward with a principled framework to ensure that its decisions and actions are all part of one coherent plan and remain focused on achieving the most fundamental goals for our communications network. Instead of trying to arbitrate between various companies' shopping lists, the FCC should remember that even though the technology is changing the needs of the American people do not. A framework that serves the interests of consumers is the best way to evaluate proposals for the future of our communications infrastructure."

Public Knowledge Releases Statement on the Copyright Alert System

February 25, 2013

Issues: 
Copyright

Today the Center for Copyright Information (CCI) begins its multi-stage rollout of the Copyright Alert System (CAS). The CAS is the result of a voluntary agreement between the largest Internet service providers and content companies that will send notices to alleged infringers using peer-to-peer networks in order to educate them about copyright and legal alternatives. The system also provides for a process by which consumers can fight these allegations. 

The following can be attributed to CCI Advisory Board member and President of Public Knowledge, Gigi Sohn:

"The Copyright Alert System will be a significant test of whether a voluntary copyright enforcement system can work while at the same time protecting the rights of Internet users. The creators of the system have taken steps to build in consumer protections and fair process to the system, and it is my hope that it will succeed.  

Public Knowledge Celebrates Obama Administration Decision To Expand Public Access

February 22, 2013

Today the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released a memorandum requiring Federal Agencies with more than $100 million in annual research and development expenditures to develop policies to make the results of that research freely available only within 12 months publication in peer-review journals. 

The following may be attributed to Peter Suber, Director of the Public Knowledge Open Access Project: 

FCC Goes Half-Way To Improving Cell Reception For Consumers

February 20, 2013

Background: Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an Order establishing new rules for wireless boosters. Boosters are devices consumers can buy that boost their wireless signal to provide better cell phone reception in dead spots and in areas with thinner cell tower coverage. The Order sets technical standards, but will require consumers to get permission from their cell phone carrier to use boosters legally. The approximately 2 million consumers who previously purchased boosters will need to contact their carriers for permission to continue using them, or face potential fines from the FCC.

The following may be attributed to Harold Feld, Senior Vice President:

Public Knowledge Lauds Bill To Expand Public Access to Federal Funded Research

February 14, 2013

Today, Representatives Mike Doyle (D-PA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), and Kevin Yoder (R-KS) introduced a bill that would expand public access to taxpayer funded research in certain federal agencies. The Fair Access to Science and Technology Research Act (FASTR) will give taxpayers the opportunity to see the research they are funding. A similar bill will soon be introduced in the Senate by John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The Fair Access to Science and Technology Research Act would:

Public Knowledge Files Special 301 Comments

February 08, 2013

Issues: 
Special 301

Today, Public Knowledge filed comments in the Office of the United States Trade Representative's special 301 process. The special 301 process takes place annually and invites comments from the public. These comments are the basis for a comprehensive report that dentifies countries around the world that do not effectively protect American Intellectual Property interests.

The following can be attributed to Rashmi Rangnath, Director of the Global Knowledge Initiative at Public Knowledge:

"The USTR's process takes a one-sided view of copyright law. That view promotes excessive copyright owner control over content and approach hurts developing countries' ability to confidently adopt copyright laws that allow libraries to lend and preserve books, educators to use material in teaching, citizens to make social and political commentary using popular film and television shows and a variety of other socially, economically, and politically beneficial uses.

Public Knowledge Calls on ISPs to Immediately Suspend Data Caps

February 07, 2013

Background: Today it was reported that an auditor of major ISP broadband meters could not certify the accuracy of five of seven usage meters.  This report follows earlier reports of discrepancies by independent network engineers and ongoing complaints of meter errors in consumer forums.

The following statement can be attributed to Michael Weinberg, Vice President, Public Knowledge:

“Public Knowledge calls on all ISPs who use data caps to suspend those caps immediately.  Until ISPs can prove to an independent technical expert that they can accurately measure consumer data consumption, they have no business charging consumers overage fees for allegedly going over their cap.

Public Knowledge Supports Sunshine Rule Modification

February 06, 2013

The FCC Collaboration Act was reintroduced by House Representatives Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.), John Shimkus (R-Ill.), and Mike Doyle (D-Penn.).The modifications primarily impact the Sunshine Rule, which prohibits non-public discussions by more than two Commissioners. The modified Sunshine Rule will allow these discussions as long as no agency action is taken. Tomorrow the same legislation will be introduced in the Senate by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.).

Public Knowledge Files Comments on Orphan Works

February 04, 2013

Background: Today, Public Knowledge and the Electronic Frontier Foundation filed comments on orphan works and mass digitization. The comments explain that there is no magic bullet to completely solve the orphan works problem, but that multiple complementary solutions, including fair use and damages reduction, can increase access to knowledge.

The following statement may be attributed to Sherwin Siy, Vice President of Legal Affairs at Public Knowledge.

"We're very glad to see the Copyright Office taking up the problem of orphan works again, and think that reducing the risk for people who try, but fail, to find authors is an important part of a solution. But this certainly shouldn't stand in the way of people being able to access and use orphan works through fair use either.

Public Knowledge Releases Second 3-D Printing White Paper

January 30, 2013

Issues: 
3D Printing: Bits to Atoms
Copyright
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)

Today, Public Knowledge's Vice President Michael Weinberg released his second 3-D Printing white paper titled " What's The Deal With Copyright and 3-D Printing?"  The paper is a follow up to his previous paper "It Will Be Awesome if They Don't Screw it Up, 3D Printing, Intellectual Property, and the Fight Over the Next Great Disruptive Technology." Today's white paper focuses on the following question: Will my 3-D printed objects, and 3D printed files, be protected by copyright at all? Furthermore, the paper examines the relationship between the digital and physical world of copyright.

The report highlights the fact that, when compared to music, movies, and photographs, many 3-D printed objects will not be protected by copyright.  This presents an exciting opportunity for people to remix and build upon existing physical objects.  It will also require the public to re-train itself to remember that not everything requires permission before being used.