CCIA Study Finds Value of US' Fair Use-Dependent Industries Tripled Since 2002

The value of industries that depend on the fair use doctrine and other copyright exceptions tripled since 2002, making “balanced” copyright law language “as important as ever,” reported the Computer & Communications Industry Association Friday. CCIA said “fair use industries” contributed $2.8 trillion to the U.S.’ gross domestic product in 2014 and accounted for 16 percent of the economy. “The more we know about the fair use economy, the better Democrats and Republicans can formulate policies for economic growth,” said Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., during a CCIA webcast. Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Texas, said the right balance in copyright law helps protect innovation while allowing consumers to resell products that they own. “As the U.S. considers trade agreements and other policies, objective data quantifying the economic benefit of balanced copyright is critically important,” said CCIA Vice President-Law and Policy Matthew Schruers in a news release. “Fair use protections are crucial here at home and would promote U.S. exports.”