Happy holidays from ACT! We’re overwhelmed with gratitude and joy this December and are already looking forward to the exciting things happening in 2015.
But first, here’s a look back at 2014’s highlights:
- ACT’s Jonathan Zuck warned app companies about the dangers of NSA spying.
- The White House took action against patent trolls but patent reform legislation was stalled in Congress in May. We’re hopeful Congress takes it up again in 2015.
- In related news, we introduced member resources on how to read a patent application and what to do if you get a demand letter from a patent troll.
- The internet turned 25 years old. ACT celebrated with a Throwback Thursday showing what we were doing 25 years ago.
- We welcomed 50 company representatives to Washington, DC in April. Altogether, we visited over 125 offices in the United States Senate, House of Representatives, and the Federal Trade Commission.
- Our 2014 State of the App Economy report showed us that the U.S. is home to the top app companies, and that these startups and small companies are creating jobs all across the country. We also saw news that the app marketplace is a job creator in Europe.
- Jonathan Zuck testified before the House Judiciary committee about copyright law and its impact on the app industry.
- Moms With Apps launched a parent-facing website in September, to help parents find apps made for kids by companies around the world. ACT’s “5 Things Moms Need to Know about Apps” aims to help parents navigate the crowded (and sometimes overwhelming) world of kids’ apps.
- ACT launched the Connected Health Initiative, a group of mobile health companies advocating for a regulatory environment that fosters innovation. In September, CHI members sent a letter to Congress about their concerns with HIPAA and saw immediate action. Earlier in 2014, the FDA issued draft guidance on mobile medical apps.
- Ever think about how different people with various interests and lifestyles use apps in their daily lives? Learn from the ACT team’s “My Life in Apps” series. Check out pieces by Alex Cooke (the music enthusiast), Courtney Bernard (the recent graduate in a new city), Jonathan Godfrey (the sports fan), Lauren Millslagle (the artist), Melissa Lee (the working mom), Sara Kloek (the adventurer), and Whitley Herndon (the marathoner).
There’s so much more ahead in 2015!
We look forward to working with you and wish all the best from us to you!