Rosen Statement on U.S. Involvement in Russian, Brazilian Copyright Practices

Statement of RIAA President and CEO Hilary Rosen in Support of U.S. Government Reviews of Russian, Brazilian Intellectual Property Rights Practices

Washington, DC - January 10, 2001 - Hilary Rosen, president and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) today praised action taken by the U.S. Government to initiate reviews of the intellectual property rights practices, specifically copyright practices of Brazil and the Russian Federation.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) made this announcement, along with other GSP-related news, in today’s Federal Register (66 Fed. Reg.2034).

"I applaud the Administration for their efforts on behalf of the U.S. copyright-based industries. We certainly hope that the governments of Brazil and Russia take very seriously the message that they must immediately address the rampant piracy levels in their countries that retard both economic and cultural development," said Rosen.

For more information, visit the International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA) website at www.iipa.com.

The RIAA is a trade association whose members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 90 percent of all legitimate sound recordings produced and sold in the United States.

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The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies. Its members are the music labels that comprise the most vibrant record industry in the world. RIAA® members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 85% of all legitimate recorded music produced and sold in the United States.

In support of this mission, the RIAA works to protect the intellectual property and First Amendment rights of artists and music labels; conduct consumer, industry and technical research; and monitor and review state and federal laws, regulations and policies. The RIAA® also certifies Gold®, Platinum®, Multi- Platinum™ and Diamond sales awards as well as Los Premios De Oro y Platino™, an award celebrating Latin music sales.