The American Federation of Musicians

THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MUSICIANS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA APPLAUDS CONGRESS FOR PASSING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ENFORCEMENT MEASURES

Passage of the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act will Stem the Growth of Music Piracy and Protect AFM Members’Äô Hard Work

The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) applauds Congress for passing the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property ’ÄúPRO-IP’Äù Act. This bill will greatly increase the federal government’Äôs ability to fight music and video piracy and enforce intellectual property and counterfeiting laws. Music piracy and intellectual property theft represent some of the most serious threats to musicians, the music industry and AFM members. The AFM thanks Congress for its passage of the PRO-IP Act and its support for the creative community.

The AFM, working in a labor-management coalition, advocated for passage of the bill. The Senate unanimously passed the PRO-IP Act (S.3325) on Friday, September 26, and the House of Representatives overwhelmingly, 381 members voting for passage to 41 members voting against, passed the bill on Sunday, September 28.

The PRO-IP Act will increase penalties for copyright violations and counterfeiting. It will strengthen the government’Äôs ability to enforce intellectual property and counterfeiting regulations by providing funding for additional FBI agents and Justice Department personnel dedicated solely to intellectual property protection and prosecuting those caught violating the law. Finally, the bill creates the position of Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator in the White House. This position is designed to coordinate the federal government’Äôs intellectual property and counterfeiting enforcement operations across all departments and agencies.

About the AFM

Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM), AFL-CIO, is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians. With more than 90,000 members, the AFM represents all types of professional musicians, including those who record music for sound recordings, film scores, radio, television and commercial announcements, as well as perform music of every genre in every sort of venue from small jazz clubs to symphony orchestra halls to major stadiums. Whether negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music, securing benefits such as health care and pension, or lobbying legislators, the AFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the cultural landscape. www.afm.org