Private Sector Takes the Lead in Fighting Piracy and Protecting IP

As the technology sector continues to expand and innovation continues to be a key driver for growing the economy, it is important to recognize and strengthen intellectual property (IP) whenever possible. Abusers of the system are rampant, and in many cases they are aided and abetted by other bad actors who want to profit off of the IP violations that occur frequently.

As Congress examines copyright in the digital age, there are examples of how the private sector is taking the lead in protecting IP. One recent example comes from WPP’s GroupM (the leading global media investment management company) with new guidelines and initiative aimed at fighting online ad-supported piracy.  GroupM will require all of their media partners to receive anti-piracy certification from the Trustworthy Accountability Group (TAG), a “cross-industry accountability program to create transparency in the business relationships and transactions that undergird the digital ad industry, while continuing to enable innovation.”

According to a GroupM press release:

“We’re in the business of giving the world’s most valuable brands marketing advantages with smart media strategies. This inherently means we’re vigilant for clients’ brand safety. Our work with TAG in the development and full adoption of anti-piracy guidelines is a major leap forward,” said John Montgomery, Chairman, GroupM Connect, North America and Co-Chair of the TAG Anti-Piracy Working Group. “With IAB, 4As, and ANA, we’ve worked for years to make the digital ecosystem more trustworthy.  Fighting pirates of copyrighted content required every ounce of our tenacity and ingenuity, but with the advent of TAG’s Brand Integrity Program Against Piracy, we have powerful new tools and safeguards.”

Fighting ad-supported piracy is one of the many important battles in maintaining strong and vibrant IP rights.  The work GroupM has pledged to do on this front will be extremely helpful. The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) has applauded similar initiatives in the past, including last year’s introduction of the www.wheretowatch.com website. That project allows users to search online legal content to find where they can watch their favorite programming, without violating any IP rights.

TPA continues to call on Congress to act to strengthen IP, including moving forward with Copyright Office modernization, ensuring IP is a key component of trade deals, and moving on responsible legislation that punishes bad actors and rewards innovators. But, the private sector must also be a part of the solution when possible, and this new initiative from GroupM will be another great step forward for securing IP.  Protecting IP is a constitutionally recognized right that will help innovation and a growing economy.