On February 16, ACT | The App Association submitted comments to the U.S. Copyright Office regarding the role of copyright law with respect to software-enabled consumer products. Representing over 5,000 app companies and software firms creating and licensing digital content that fuel a $120 billion mobile app economy, ACT | The App Association discussed how copyright protections are foundational to rewarding the creativity and innovation that sustains and grows the mobile app economy.
With the rise of the digital economy and the increasing internet-enabled connectivity of consumer products, these copyright protections have only become more important for those who utilize this global marketplace. Piracy presents a major threat to the success of App Association members and the billions of consumers who rely on digital products and services, threatening the creators of digital content by undermining their ability to innovate, invest, and hire. Further, piracy undermines end-users’ confidence in software-enabled products and services because of the potential for consumers to be victimized by illegal sellers who pose as legitimate content owners and sellers.
In addition to providing detailed responses to questions posed by the U.S. Copyright Office, ACT | The App Association urged the Copyright Office to incorporate several key principles into its report to Congress on the role of copyright law with respect to software-enabled consumer products:
- Copyright laws should encourage innovation while protecting consumer interests
- Copyright laws should permit for the securing of digital content
- Copyright laws should provide legal certainty
- Changes to copyright laws should be responsive to proven harms
- Sector-specific issues should be addressed by appropriate expert federal actors, not through altering copyright laws
ACT | The App Association’s comments detail our views as well as answers to specific questions posed by the Copyright Office.
Image: Horia Varlan / no changes made / license