Statement on The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
and Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA)
January 19, 2012
While CSG supports efforts by Congress to promote economic growth by safeguarding intellectual property, it has not endorsed either the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) or the Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA) currently being considered in Congress.
On October 23, 2011, CSG’s Executive Committee passed a resolution endorsing the principle of increased intellectual property protections, but making no commitment to support any specific bill.
CSG endorsed this principle due to its long commitment to protecting American exporters from patent infringement overseas and a belief that efforts to protect consumers and content creators from rogue websites are similarly important for promoting public safety and economic competitiveness.
Due to a misinterpretation of this statement, CSG has been erroneously listed as a supporter of SOPA and PIPA.
On January 5, 2012, CSG sent letters to the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate judiciary committees clarifying that CSG has not endorsed SOPA or PIPA.
-
Letter to House Judiciary Committee
-
Letter to Senate Judiciary Committee
-
Resolution on Intellectual Property Theft