Patrick Ross

Alfred Kahn on Regulation

Alfred Kahn wrote the book -- literally -- on regulation. The author of The Economics of Regulation led the deregulation of the airline and trucking industries under President Carter, and anyone who has purchased a good shipped at some point on a truck or flown on a commercial airplane since that time owes Dr. Kahn a debt of gratitude.

So it was an honor when I saw Dr. Kahn had posted a lengthy comment on net neutrality to a blog entry I had posted on the PFF blog. I persuaded Dr. Kahn to let PFF publish a revised version of the comment as a Progress Snapshot and he agreed, so today we published "A Democratic Voice of Caution on Network Neutrality." It's a brilliant read. It also reaffirms my longstanding contention that tech policy need not be partisan.

Washington Times on EU Media Regulation

Kara Rowland of The Washington Times has a comprehensive look at the Television Without Frontiers initiative in the European Union, a new directive that would extend old media rules to new media such as the Internet. You can see some of my writings on this in the bar on the lower left of this blog. Of course, one reason I like this story is that I was quoted extensively.

This Just In: Cats Still Hate Dogs

I attended the press conference of this new alliance determined to undermine copyrights; you can read about the odd event here in my IPcentral blog entry. My short paper on the subject was well-received by the Songwriter's Guild of America, the Recording Artists' Coalition and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

Digital Freedom? Perhaps Free-Riding

I have no problem with an industry pursuing its self-interest; that's how the market is supposed to work. It bothers me, though, when industry representatives claim the moral high ground when they lack the right to do so. I'm referring to the Consumer Electronics Association's new campaign with Public Knowledge and other "advocacy" groups to undermine copyright law. It's called the "Digital Freedom Campaign." I'm leaving in a few minutes to go to their press conference; they can't kick me out, it's at the National Press Club and I'm a member.

Ultimately these parties wish to develop easier access to original content, so end-users can enjoy it on CE devices at lower cost. It matters not that such easier access requires removing rights from artists. They seek the high ground by calling the content industry terrorists (last week, as quoted by Consumer Electronics Daily) and by claiming to protect artists, in this case derivative artists who want access to original art. But you can't speak for artists while undermining copyright; any artist can forfeit rights, but they shouldn't be taken away against an artist's will.

There is a strong and vibrant market for digital content rights, and it's getting more dynamic by the day. I praise that market, and fault this new coalition, in a piece The Progress & Freedom Foundation published this morning titled "Recognizing the Vibrant Market for Digital Content."

Profiled in Potomac Flacks

I spend more of my time at The Progress & Freedom Foundation doing policy research than I do public relations, but I'm proud to oversee our think tank's PR shop. Adam Kovacevich, the capable PR executive with Dittus Communications who runs the blog Potomac Flacks, profiled me today; all of the embarrassing details can be found here.

New Panelist for Copyright Event

We have added Amy Levine, legislative counsel for Rick Boucher (D-Va.), to our Congressional Seminar this Friday on copyright 'modernization.' She replaces Aaron Cooper, who had a conflict arise. Amy's a smart and talented Hill staffer and knows her stuff, so she'll make a great addition.

Addition to Congressional Seminar

I have added a third panelist to PFF's Congressional Seminar this Friday on copyright 'modernization' -- Aaron Cooper, counsel for Senator Leahy (D-Vt.) ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I now have staff from the House and Senate, and Democrats and Republicans. I plan to cap the panel at this point to give everyone plenty of time to speak. Hope you can make it!

Congressional Seminar on Copyright Modernization

On Friday, October 20th, I will be moderating a Congressional Seminar on Capitol Hill addressing legislation aimed at modernizing copyright law for the digital age. I will be moderating a panel of senior Hill staff, including David Jones, counsel for the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, and Joe Keeley, counsel for the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property. The event runs from noon to 2 pm in Rm B-354 of the Rayburn House Office Building, is free, and comes with lunch. You can read more about the event here and sign up here. If you're in the DC area please stop by and say hello!