A2IM: American Association of Independent Music

Posted in News by A2IM

A2IM has been actively working with our partners in the creator community speaking out on our need for government support where it concerns rampant commercial infringements of copyright and policing those websites that benefit from the use of unlicensed music without compensating the creators of that music.  We’ve even issued CALLS TO ACTION to our members urging independents to contact IPEC and be heard on the importance of protecting the value of music.

To update you on the progress of these efforts we’re sharing with you the First Annual Report on Intellectual Property Enforcement from the U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (“IPEC”) Victoria Espinel.  Amongst the initiatives Ms. Espinel reports on she states “America’s creativity and ingenuity cannot thrive without intellectual property protection and enforcement, which allows a revolutionary idea to blossom into economic opportunity.”

Posted in News by A2IM

Call To Action To Independent Labels, Creators & Service Providers Who Rely Upon Music Having Value:

For years we have called on government to help fight Piracy including those websites that promote the devaluation of music and disregard the rights of creators by leaking music early and without permission. Both the Obama Administration and the Congress have started to provide creators much needed support in recent months. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency has taken aggressive action against infringing websites, recently seizing the domain names of 82 sites. Since then ICE, and its Director John Morton, have been taking heat in the blogosphere and in some print media for their actions.  It is imperative that the music community let the Administration know just how vital ICE’s actions are, and how much we appreciate them.

We need to show them some love for their action! PLEASE send a note to John Morton thanking him for what he’s doing.

This letter, which also highlights a recent A2IM press statement, was sent to the Obama administration by A2IM today.  They need to hear from our members across the country now!

Use the A2IM letter as a guide, but please personalize your letter, and write to:

Mr. John T. Morton
Director, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Washington, D.C. 20528

Care of : erik.barnett@dhs.gov

And express your support for the current actions of U.S. Homeland Security detailed in the attached link press release and please copy: Rich.Bengloff@a2im.org. This is important so let’s get to work!

Best and happy holidays to all!

The A2IM team