Rod Grams: “I rise in support of the WIPO Copyright Treaties Implementation Act Conference Report adopted by the Senate on October…”

“I rise in support of the WIPO Copyright Treaties Implementation Act Conference Report adopted by the Senate on October 8, and commend the Senator from Utah for his efforts in crafting legislation that will greatly aid American copyright owners and users in the digital world. This legislation is of great importance to the citizens of Minnesota, including many companies that produce copyrighted materials as well as the hard-working men and women employed by them. As the Senator from Utah is also aware, however, I have a great interest in Senate action to protect database owners, to continue the availability of quality and reliable products and services for users here and abroad. Earlier this summer, I introduced S. 2291 to provide this protection, and worked to include this language into the WIPO Implementing legislation. I greatly regret this legislation could not be included as part of this Conference Report. Would the Senator from Utah and his colleagues on the Judiciary Committee agree to take up this issue as a priority item early in the 106th Congress? I believe we need fair and balanced database protection legislation, similar to S.2291.”