Statement from the 60 Plus Association in Support of Modernizing the U.S. Copyright Office

(Alexandria, Virginia) — With over 7.2 million senior supporters nationally, the non-partisan 60 Plus Association is America’s largest center-right seniors advocacy organization. Today they released a statement applauding the recent introduction of a discussion draft by Congressman Tom Marino and Congresswoman Judy Chu to modernize the U.S. Copyright Office. The introduction of the draft represents an important first step in a critical discussion about creating a 21^st century Copyright Office capable of serving the innovative needs of the marketplace for creative works. A modern, flexible Copyright Office will help the US creative economy continue to lead the world, thereby incentivizing creativity, innovation, investment and jobs.

A strong and growing economy is of paramount importance to seniors and their families. And living in the digital age makes protecting America’s intellectual property and facilitating legitimate markets for its use more important than ever.

The products of America’s creative industries account for over $1 trillion annually of our economic output, 6.7% of our total economy, and support 5.5 million jobs. It is an economic and cultural engine.  At the center of this dynamic marketplace is the U.S. Copyright Office, which catalogues and organizes creative works, and administers important aspects of the US copyright system.

The time has come for the U.S. Copyright Office to be modernized, to meet the demands of a knowledge-based economy.

Every issue for elderly Americans, from food production and medicine, maintaining a strong and ready military, better hospitals, better roads, instant communication, safe highways or even leisure, requires constant review and updates. Our nation is blessed with visionaries who have kept our copyright laws current in the modern digital age, now it is time that the Copyright Office itself have the autonomy and tools to help maximize the potential of the law.

 Seniors applaud the work of Reps. Tom Marino (R-PA) and Judy Chu (D-CA) for their leadership in focusing Congress’ attention on this important issue. At a time when partisan divides make progress difficult, common sense, bi-partisan solutions such as Copyright Office modernization present a significant opportunity for lawmakers to promote American creativity, innovation and jobs.

 -30-