WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President of the Global Intellectual Property Center Mark Elliot praised today’s House passage of H.R. 1695, the Register of Copyrights Selection and Accountability Act of 2017, by a vote of 378-48:

“Today, World Intellectual Property Day, is the perfect time for Congress to demonstrate its commitment to the innovative and creative industries and the ongoing Copyright Office modernization process. The Office plays a key role in supporting America’s innovative and creative economy: copyright-intensive industries support 5.6 million jobs in the U.S. alone. This bill is a crucial first step in delivering the right leadership and IT capabilities the office needs to better serve the American people and all who rely on an efficient and effective Copyright Office. We congratulate congressional leaders on House passage of this bipartisan bill, and we hope the Senate will follow with swift action. We look forward to even more work with these partners in the broader effort to modernize, strengthen, and improve our nation’s Copyright Office.”

The bill was the result of a bipartisan, bicameral effort led by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Ranking Member John Conyers (D-Mich.), Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and Senate Judiciary Committee Member Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.).

The Chamber’s Global Intellectual Property Center is working around the world to champion intellectual property (IP) rights as vital to creating jobs, saving lives, advancing global economic growth, and generating breakthrough solutions to global challenges.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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