Statement by Michael O’Leary on the Trans-Pacific Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2013

WASHINGTON —The following is a statement by Michael O’Leary, Senior Executive Vice President for Global Policy and External Affairs for the Motion Picture Association of America Inc. (MPAA) on reports regarding intellectual property language proposed for inclusion in the Trans-Pacific Partnership:

“It’s important to be clear that the text circulated is not final. What the text does show though, if it is authentic, is that despite much hyperbole from free trade opponents, the U.S. has put forth no proposals that are inconsistent with U.S. law. The United States has the most dynamic creative and technology sectors in the world, and an open and free Internet. The TPP proposals attributed to the U.S. would build upon that tremendous foundation.

Strong intellectual property laws are imperative, not just for the millions of workers around the world whose livelihoods depend upon the success of the copyright industries, but to the future growth of the world economy. We hope that the US government and our trading partners will finalize a high-standard, commercially-meaningful agreement that will bolster all participating economies, promote creativity and innovation around the world, and create and sustain jobs.”

About the MPAA

The Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA) serves as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries from its offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Its members include: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; Paramount Pictures Corporation; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Universal City Studios LLC; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

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For more information, contact:

MPAA Washington, D.C.
Kate Bedingfield
(202) 293-1966
Kate_Bedingfield@motionpictures.org