[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 144 (Monday, October 12, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12378]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      WIPO COPYRIGHT TREATIES IMPLEMENTATION ACT CONFERENCE REPORT

  Mr. GRAMS. I rise in support of the WIPO Copyright Treaties 
Implementation Act Conference Report adopted by the Senate on October 
8, and commend the Senator from Utah for his efforts in crafting 
legislation that will greatly aid American copyright owners and users 
in the digital world. This legislation is of great importance to the 
citizens of Minnesota, including many companies that produce 
copyrighted materials as well as the hard-working men and women 
employed by them.
  As the Senator form Utah is also aware, however, I have a great 
interest in Senate action to protect database owners, to continue the 
availability of quality and reliable products and services for users 
here and abroad. Earlier this summer, I introduced S. 2291 to provide 
this protection, and worked to include this language into the WIPO 
Implementing legislation. I greatly regret this legislation could not 
be included as part of this Conference Report.
  Would the Senator from Utah and his colleagues on the Judiciary 
Committee agree to take up this issue as a priority item early in the 
106th Congress? I believe we need fair and balanced database protection 
legislation, similar to S.2291.
  Mr. HATCH. I thank the Senator from Minnesota for his comments. This 
will be a top priority for the Committee next year. I intend to hold a 
hearing on database legislation and move for prompt consideration in 
the 106th Congress.
  Mr. GRAMS. I thank the Senator from Utah and look forward to working 
with you early next year.

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