(15 December 2010 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Global trade association the Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA) has urged the US Department of Commerce and other government agencies to take concerted action to enhance effective online copyright protections.

It contends that online piracy has put at risk future production by harming independents’ ability to recoup minimum guarantees.

IFTA submitted the comments in response to a Notice of Inquiry (NoI) issued by the Department of Commerce (DOC), the US Patent and Trademark Office and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration on Copyright Policy, Creativity and Innovation in the Internet Economy.

It applauded the DOC for issuing the NOI to gather more information from stakeholders in order to effectually address major barriers to innovation in a digital environment.

Said IFTA president, CEO Jean Prewitt, “The policy and technological solutions that emerge from this proceeding should assist in establishing a transparent framework that takes into account advances in technology and the need for protection of copyright to encourage further innovation.

“We believe that solutions are achievable through government leadership and cooperation among all stakeholders and are necessary to ensure that investment in independent content can be recouped and new online distribution models developed."

The IFTA says that piracy inhibits independent filmmakers from recouping expenses on productions in order to create future films. The organisation recommends government oversight in establishing mechanisms to protect copyright and innovation digitally.

The IFTA has also urged adopting international standards for copyright, such as the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Act.