Consumer Electronics Association:
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WHAT: Officials of the Consumer Electronics Association will be
available to comment on the upcoming Supreme Court ruling in
Grokster v MGM. A decision in this case is expected soon.
CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro has called Grokster the
most important case before the Supreme Court this year.
The main question before the Court in this case is whether
providing a technology capable of substantial noninfringing
uses constitutes copyright infringement. The Court's finding
could substantially alter the 1984 Betamax decision which
found on principle that a product that can be used to violate
copyright is legal so long as it has substantial uses that
don't infringe on copyrights.
The Betamax principles are the foundation of this nation's
explosive technological growth over the last 20 years and are
particularly critical to new digital technology. "If these
principles are undermined," Shapiro has stated, "we may
witness the end of popular and revolutionary products and
technologies such as the iPod, Tivo and even the Internet
itself, and also the premature deaths of thousands of products
that still only exist as a concept in the mind of young
entrepreneurs."
CEA filed an amicus brief in Grokster, offering a critical
perspective on the Betamax doctrine as the Magna Carta of the
digital age, arguing the court should uphold this standard.
WHERE: Contact Megan Pollock at 703-907-7668 or mpollock@ce.org to
arrange an interview.
WHO: Available from the Consumer Electronics Association for
comment regarding Grokster or background on the current state
of intellectual property:
-- Gary Shapiro, president and CEO - 703-907-7610 or
garys@ce.org
-- Michael Petricone, vice president of technology
policy - 703-907-7544 or michaelp@ce.org
-- Jeff Joseph, vice president of communications and
strategic relations - 703-9077664 or jjoseph@ce.org
ABOUT
CEA: The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent
trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology
industry through technology policy, events, research,
promotion and the fostering of business and strategic
relationships. CEA represents more than 2,000 corporate
members involved in the design, development, manufacturing,
distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile
electronics, wireless and landline communications, information
technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory
products, as well as related services that are sold through
consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more
than $121 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are
available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for
information about the consumer electronics industry.
For additional information or to schedule an interview, please
contact:
Jeff Joseph Megan Pollock
tel: (703) 907-7664 tel: (703) 907-7668
e-mail: jjoseph@ce.org e-mail: mpollock@ce.org
http://www.CE.org
© 2005 Business Wire