[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 127 (Thursday, October 12, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1759]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           STATEMENT ON THE IMPORTANCE OF DATABASE PROTECTION

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                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 11, 2000

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to discuss the 
importance of legal protection for databases. Databases are extremely 
important to the continued growth of our hightech based economy. Within 
databases--organized collections of information--lie the basic tools of 
the Information Age. The continued development of new and exciting 
database products depends on adequate legal protection from piracy. 
Over the past two Congress' we have grappled with the scope of 
protection that should be afforded database producers. We have worked 
hard to produce a well balanced approach. Unfortunately, we were unable 
to bring the development of this legislation to a close in time for 
consideration before this body. I believe that addressing this issue 
must be a priority for the 107th Congress and will do all that I can to 
facilitate passage of database protection legislation in the next 
Congress.

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