Jan 1996 HRRC joins the Digital Future Coalition. DFC opposes H.R.2441/S.1284 and strives for a thorough, broad and balanced Congressional debate of U.S. copyright law and policies.
Feb 1996 Congress passes Telecommunications Act of 1996, amending cable compatibility requirements of the 1992 Cable Reform Act. President Clinton signs bill into law.
Feb 1996 House Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property holds hearings on H.R.2441. HRRC testimony urges that Section 1201 be removed from bill because it effectively reverses Supreme Court’s Betamax decision, which confirmed consumers’ recording rights.
May 1996 Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearing on S. 1284. HRRC’s views represented by Digital Future Coalition witness.
Oct 1996 Congress adjourns without passing H.R. 2441/S. 1284
Nov 1996 HRRC and other Digital Future Coalition members submit comments to U.S. Patent and Trademark Office opposing Clinton Administration’s announced intention to include some of same NII bill provisions in new treaty proposals to World Intellectual Property Organization.
Dec 1996 World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva, Switzerland adopts language in new treaty addressing digital and conventional copyright issues without imposing unreasonable restrictions on consumer home recording. Clinton Administration signals plans to push for new NII proposal in 1997 Congress.
