MPAA statement on USTR’s IP work plan with Honduras to reduce signal piracy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 2, 2016

MPAA Statement on USTR’s IP Work Plan with Honduras to Reduce Signal Piracy

WASHINGTON – The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced today a new Intellectual Property Work Plan with the Government of Honduras. The work plan addresses key IP issues, including the retransmission of unauthorized satellite signals, often referred to as signal piracy. The work plan also promotes regulatory compliance by cable operators. The following is a statement from MPAA Chairman and CEO Senator Chris Dodd:

“We’d like to express our gratitude to Ambassador Froman and the USTR team for undertaking this important dialogue aimed at protecting creative rights. We’re also grateful for the regional leadership of the Government of Honduras for their willingness to tackle the persistent and recurring problem of signal piracy. International frameworks that include strong IP provisions are a major priority for the American film and television industry because they promote jobs and economic growth. We hope this work plan can serve as a model for future cooperation throughout Latin America.”

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.
Chris Ortman
(202) 293-1966
Chris_Ortman@motionpictures.org