Washington - A non-profit trade group made up of 29 copyright-related organizations announced its launch this week on Capitol Hill, with a stated goal of "promoting the value of copyright as an agent for creativity, jobs and growth."

Members of the Copyright Alliance include the Recording Industry Association of America, Motion Picture Association of America, Association of American Publishers, ASCAP, BMI, Entertainment Software Association, Major League Baseball, Microsoft, Viacom and Disney.

Entertainment industry advocates in Congress welcomed formation of the group, including House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.); Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property; and Rep. Howard Coble, ranking Republican on the Courts, Internet and Intellectual Property Subcommittee.

"Strong copyright laws are essential to protect the livelihoods of millions of artists and inventors," said Conyers.  "But just as importantly, strong copyright is important to all Americans by driving creativity and innovation in our economy."

The Copyright Alliance will be headed by executive director Patrick Ross, a former journalist and think tank senior fellow.

Related Links:
http://www.copyrightalliance.org/node/42

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117965199.html

http://tinyurl.com/27uusr (CNET)

http://www.copyrightalliance.org