Database protection bill

The Database and Collections of Information Misappropriation Act (HR 3261) is currently pending in the 2004 United States House of Representatives.It would alter copyright law to permit assertion of copyright ownership over factual data.

Proponents argue that the bill is based on the 1996 EU database directive, and is designed to encourage database creators by ensuring their revenue advantage. Opponents argue that it restricts access to and use of facts. Opponents currently include Google and Verizon.

Status

*March 10, 2004 - The House Energy and Commerce Committee unfavorably reported H.R. 3261. The committee approved a competing, less comprehensive bill, H.R. 3872, which deals only with "time sensitive" information, and instructs the Federal Trade Commission to take action against unfair trade practices. The two bills (one from Judiciary, the other from Energy and Commerce) may be taken up by the Rules Committee.

External links

* [http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=108_cong_bills&docid=f:h3261ih.txt.pdf HR 3261 as introduced (PDF)]
* [http://www.uschamber.com/government/letters/040119hr3261.htm US Chamber of Commerce opposition]
* [http://www.publicknowledge.org/issues/database/ Advocacy discussion]
* [http://www.law.cornell.edu/copyright/cases/499_US_340.htm Court case that the bill addresses]