Rep. Jeffries Introduces Bill To Protect Artists From Creative Theft
U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries (D-Queens, Brooklyn) joined U.S. Representative Tom Marino (R-Pennsylvania) yesterday to introduce a solution for creators and artists suffering from unlawful dissemination of their work.
The Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement (CASE) Act of 2017 will streamline smaller claims of copyright infringement by creating a separate group, the Copyright Claims Board (CCB), that will provide a simple and less expensive way to protect intellectual property, according to Jeffries.
Most victims of piracy are independent artists with small copyright infringement claims, according to Jeffries. The CCB will be the alternative forum to the Federal District Court.
“The establishment of the Copyright Claims Board is critical for the creative middle class who deserve to benefit from the fruits of their labor. Copyright enforcement is essential to ensure that these artists, writers, musicians and other creators are able to commercialize their creative work in order to earn a livelihood,” said Jeffries. “The CASE Act will enable creators to enforce copyright-protected content in a fair, timely and affordable manner. This legislation is a strong step in the right direction.”
Mayor’s Office To Host CItyHowl: A Dog Adoption Event
The de Blasio administration will be hosting a dog adoption event tonight at City Hall Park tonight at 4pm. Animal Care Centers (ACC) of NYC and the ASPCA will also be organizing the event.
The dog adoption fees will range from $25 to $150 and will include vaccinations, spay and neuter, a registered microchip, a collar, an ID tag, and a veterinarian voucher for the first visit.
Adopters must be 18 or older, have photo ID and proof of address. Also, ask about fostering and volunteering.
City Hall Park is located at Broadway and Park Place in Manhattan.
Queens Pols Sign Letter To Trump, Asking To Prolong Jones Act Lift
A myriad of Queens lawmakers joined City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito in signing a letter addressed to President Donald J. Trump asking him to extend his suspension of the Jones Act in order to keep aid pumping into the devastated island.
“Hurricanes Irma and Maria have created a crisis unlike anything Puerto Rico and the USVI [U.S. Virgin Isands] have ever faced and it requires an unprecedented response. Nearly the entirety of these islands is without power, hospitals are closed or unable to fully care for patients, the telecommunications system is devastated, and millions of U.S. citizens are living without access to food and water,” reads the letter. “The people of Puerto Rico and the USVI cannot wait one more day for relief.”
“The Jones Act already had harmful effects on Puerto Rico’s economy even before Maria and Irma struck. Recovery from these hurricanes will unquestionably take months, if not years.”
Queens lawmakers who signed the letter include City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Long Island City, Astoria), State Assembly Member Edward Braunstein (D-Bayside), State Assembly Member Michael Miller (D-Woodhaven, Glendale), City Council Member Julissa Ferreras-Copeland (D-Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona), City Council Member Daniel Dromm (D-Elmhurst, Jackson Heights), City Council Member Paul Vallone (D-Bayside, College Point), City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley (D-Glendale, Maspeth, Ridgewood), and many others in government.
