Advocacy
AI advocates for a just and equitable copyright system that supports and encourages innovation and the university’s mission. We do so by answering calls for written comments from the U.S. Copyright Office and members of congress, following upcoming legislation, and participating in roundtable discussions.
Sovereign Immunity Study
In June 2020, the U.S. Copyright Office launched the State Sovereign Immunity Study seeking to find evidence of widespread intentional and reckless copyright infringement by state actors. Based on how much evidence is found, the U.S. Copyright Office will recommend that Congress either: 1) get rid of sovereign immunity or 2) maintain sovereign immunity until more evidence is found. AI and the Library Copyright Office participated in the study by submitting initial and reply comments and speaking at the roundtable discussions.
In August 2021, the U.S. Copyright Office published a full report on its findings. Though the U.S. Copyright Office found that there was more state infringement now that when the previous study was done, they are doubtful that there is enough evidence of widespread intentional and reckless copyright infringement to justify abrogation of sovereign immunity. In the final report, the U.S. Copyright Office cited U-M's written and oral comments over 30 times, including two direct quotes from CAI’s Copyright Specialist.
- Initial Comment
- Reply Comment
- Roundtable Discussion -- Agenda, Recording, and Transcript
- Final Full Report
Small Claims Procedures for Libray and Archives Opt-Outs and Class Actions
In September 2021, the U.S. Copyright Office proposed regulations and procedures for libraries and archives who want to use the blanket opt-out provided in the CASE Act. Although U-M argued for employees to be included under these provisions, the U.S. Copyright Office declined to do so. CAI and the Library Copyright Office are currently drafting a comment in response to the proposed regulations.