Who Will Be The Copyright Czar?

I read an article recently discussing possible picks for President-elect Obama for the position of Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator.

From the article: "Whoever Obama appoints can expect scrutiny from the content and technology industries. While ostensibly a coordinating position, the copyright czar job could easily expand to include advising the president." This will be a very important topic for the music industry and will effect many. This position was presented when President Bush signed the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property (PRO-IP) Act in September.

For More Information please check out the following stories:
Will Obama's Copyright Czar Help Save The Music?
President Bush Approves 'Copyright Czar' Bill
Bush’s New Copyright Czar Is Going To Do About As Much Good As His Drug Czar

California Governor Vetoes 'Donda West Bill.'

I don't live in California....but I must wonder....what bills did get passed? What bills were a great priority to Arnold?

As far as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is concerned the "Donda West Bill" is not one of them. "This bill does not meet that standard, and I cannot sign it at this time," read the veto message, one of dozens Schwarzenegger sent.

The cosmetic-surgery bill, AB 2968,would have required people to undergo a physical examination, give a complete medical history and get a doctor's clearance before undergoing plastic surgery.
According to the LA Times the bill received nearly unanimous support in the legislature.

The bill was prompted by the November 2007 death of Kanye West's mother, Dr. Donda West, who died a day after undergoing a breast reduction and liposuction surgery.

U.K. Gov. Gives Detail Into Surveillance Plan

Out-Law.com is reporting that the Government has delayed legislation that would create a central database of every phone call, every email, and web session made in the United Kingdom until next year following consult.

This plan would create new legislation that would make the recording of the fact of communication (not the content) mandatory. Sources have told reporters that one option would be to create a single, Government-operated database of records. There would be consultation on these measures prior to passing the law.

Read the full article here.

President Signs PRO IP Act Into Law

Publishers and songwriters have applauded the President for signing into law S. 3325, the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act (PRO-IP Act) of 2008.

This law will ensure America's intellectual property rights are better enforced on a global scale. Also,convicted counterfeiters will now be subject to increased fines and the forfeiture of their property.

The White House yesterday released a statement which reads in part, "In recent years, counterfeiting has grown rapidly. Counterfeiting costs America hundreds of billions of dollars a year and has harmful effects throughout the economy. Fake products can expose consumers to serious health and safety risks. Government loses out on tax revenues and is forced to divert law enforcement resources. Terrorist networks use counterfeit sales to finance their operations."

The size of government just got bigger, with the creation of one more office.The new law will create the office of the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC). Despite its' name it is noted that the office "will be explicitly separated from responsibility for or direction of any law enforcement agency that carries out IP law", according to the law's final language.

The White House's statement did not give mention of the IPEC office, which may mean that it could remain vacant in the final months of the Bush Administration.

For further reading on the topic please go to:

President signs controversial IP enforcement act into law

Bush signs RIAA-backed intellectual-property law