The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced that it strongly supports the Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act.
For more information visit: www.riaa.com
Unedited press release follows:
RIAA Applauds Congressional Action On Rouge Sites Bill
WASHINGTON — November 18, 2010 — The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee today unanimously approved bipartisan legislation (the Combating Online Infringement & Counterfeits Act) sponsored by Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and 15 additional senators that aims to take action against foreign sites that prey on American consumers, manufacturers and creative industries by providing access to illegal content.
Mitch Bainwol, Chairman and CEO, RIAA, offered the following statement on the committee’s overwhelming approval of the bill:
“We are proud to lend our voice to the chorus of supporters of this important bipartisan legislation. In a world where hackers and copyright thieves are able to take down websites, rip off American consumers and rake in huge profits operating rogue businesses built on the backs of the American creative community, the committee has taken a strong step toward fostering a more safe and secure online experience for consumers.
“With this first vote, Congress has begun to strike at the lifeline of foreign scam sites, while protecting free speech and boosting the legal online marketplace. We congratulate Chairman Leahy and Senator Hatch for their leadership on this bill and to the Senate Judiciary Committee for its action today.”
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies. Its members are the music labels that comprise the most vibrant record industry in the world. RIAA® members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 85% of all legitimate recorded music produced and sold in the United States.
In support of this mission, the RIAA works to protect the intellectual property and First Amendment rights of artists and music labels; conduct consumer, industry and technical research; and monitor and review state and federal laws, regulations and policies. The RIAA® also certifies Gold®, Platinum®, Multi-Platinum™ and Diamond sales awards as well as Los Premios De Oro y Platino™, an award celebrating Latin music sales.