California AG Extends Support for Rogue Websites Legislation
California Attorney General Kamala Harris is the latest state attorney general to send a letter of her states’ support for enacting rogue websites legislation. Last week, 42 State Attorneys General sent a letter in boisterous support for Congressional action to address online intellectual property (IP) theft. This overwhelming, bipartisan coalition sent a letter to Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator Chuck Grassley, Congressman Lamar Smith, and Congressman John Conyers, commending their ongoing commitment and leadership in the fight against counterfeiting and piracy on rogue websites.
Attorney General Kamala Harris wrote: “The creators, inventors, and holders of intellectual property are important contributors to the California and national economies. I welcome the opportunity to work with you to protect their rights and the economy.”
The successes of the Californian economy can be attributed to the spirit of ingenuity, entrepreneurship, and creativity. IP is the backbone of these achievements, allows for companies to expand, and employment to grow. For example, the motion picture and television industry is responsible for more than 209,946 direct jobs and more than $16.7 billion in wages in California. Moreover, IP intensive sectors like the operation of this sector relies heavily on a network of small and medium-sized enterprises to bring projects to fruition including general suppliers, such as caterers, lumberyards, apparel retailers and florists. IP intensive industries generate these positive spillover benefits to other sectors, which helps drive economic growth.
The operation of rogue websites threatens the very foundations and livelihood of these industries. Support for the PROTECT IP Act from the Attorney General Harris is yet another critical voice to join the chorus of support for this legislation. We can help facilitate legitimate commerce while reducing online criminal activity as well as preserve the vitality of the American economy by enacting rogue websites legislation.
