Public Knowledge Files Special 301 Comments

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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.

"Its important that the USTR adopt a balanced view of copyright law. A balanced approach would be beneficial to many countries. It would also be beneficial to US technology companies, which rely on copyright limitations and exceptions to make and market their products abroad."