After doing extensive research about the Performance Rights Act, I decided to do my discussion on an article I found called “H.R. 848, The Performance Rights Act: The Recording Industry’s Saving Grace?” by author Nyasha Shani Foy from New York Law School. February 2009 Congressman John Conyers, Jr introduced H.R. 848, The Performance Rights Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This law proposes to expand copyright protection for sound recordings and require Analog and AM, FM radio stations to pay for the use of sound recordings. If enforced H.R. 848 will deliver another source of revenue for copyright holders, musicians, and performers.

Nyasha’s position on the bill is of a neutral nature, Nyasha states in her conclusion that HR 848 is not a perfect solution. She goes on to say the legislation demonstrates the congress commitment to intellectual property issues. In addition she states that regardless of what happens the HR 848 will remain an important piece of legislation for all IP industry professionals. Nyasha’s position of the bill was well thought out and researched. Reading the bill you can see ripple effects that can happen if the bill is passed, thus showing just how imperfect the bill really is. As Nyasha said congress shows their dedication to IP issues in hopes of strengthening our country. A profound review and edit of this bill will make the HR848 become more realized. Regardless of the outcome, many parties will remember the IP HR848 bill.

Exclusive Rights

Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution states that The Congress shall have power to promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries. In Short Copyright Law gives an author the right to register a copyright when a work is fixed in a tangible form for the first time. Exclusive rights also give the author the right to reproduce, perform, display, derive, and distribute works. In addition it gives the author the right to give others a license to exercise those rights.