CEA Comments On FTC Complaint Against Copyright Owner Misrepresentation Of Consumer Rigths

In a complaint filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today, the Computer and Communication Industry Association (CCIA) sought federal action to block certain copyright-holding corporations from misrepresenting consumer rights under copyright law. Specifically CCIA asked the FTC to find that certain companies are engaged in a pattern of unfair and deceptive trade practices in threatening consumers with criminal and civil penalties through exaggerated “copyright warnings” disseminated to consumers. CCIA alleges that such warnings materially misrepresent the constitutional and statutory copyright obligations of consumers.
The following statement may be attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association:

“Many copyright warnings ignore consumer fair use rights and should be modified to reflect the true rights of consumers who lawfully acquire audio and video content. Now more than ever, it is essential that all stakeholders accurately educate consumers about our obligations-and our rights-under copyright law.”