Bill creeping through US Congress limits artistic expression

Edward Greenberg of StockPhotographer.info writes,

"The Act contains certain anti-speech aspects which will directly affect illustrators, photographers and others.

"It will serve to eliminate the current protection for non-commercial speech currently contained in the Lanham Act. It will prevent businesses (artists)and consumers from invoking famous trademarks to explain or illustrate their discussion of public issues.

"For example, using the phrase "Where’s the Beef" could be actionable. Although you might use it in a non-commercial way, the (very) famous Wendy’s slogan when used to comment might not be protected by the fair use exception…"

Continue reading the article, which provides further explanation and contact info for who to write to to express your concern. Please check this out and take action—it has potentially catastrophic effects for artists as well as free speech and fair use in general.

Via Boing Boing

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