Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
02AMMAN2954 | 2002-06-05 12:06:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Amman |
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. |
UNCLAS AMMAN 002954 |
1. Summary: In cooperation with the National Center for Intellectual Property (NCIP), PAS Amman conducted the third DVC program of a series on IPR on Monday, June 3 at 1400 GMT. Audience consisted of over sixty lawyers, judges, businessmen, and academicians who displayed great interest in the topic of discussion. 2. Description of Activity: The 90 minute session took place in the Public Affair's Auditorium. 3. Date: June 3, 2002; Third Quarter FY-2002 4. Justification and Objectives: The DVC program helped introduce a number of issues of large concern to the different professions in our audience, such as law enforcement in protecting web sites and the advantages of protecting web sites. Mr. Christopher Merriam underlined the legitimacy of downloading programs and other material from the internet. He also emphasised that "IPR fosters the growth of industries" in particular the music and games industries which also widely advertise on line. 5. MPP Goal: This program supported the MPP goals on economic reform and promoting understanding and appreciation of U.S society and values. 6. Result/impact: Good. The Jordanian audience seemed pleased with the discussion directed by the four panelists in the program, Mr. Christopher Merriam, Mr. Stevan Mitchell, Ms. Maria Luisa Simpson and Mr. Robert Hunter. They felt that it explained a lot of their queries and helped clarify certain issues of copyright legitimacy to them. However, the panelists' talks were rather longwinded, which led the audience to become fairly bored and restless, as this session is intended to be interactive. Mr. Mitchell who was the first to speak introduced the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA) and its role as a trade association. He mentioned that IDSA is the private publisher of over thirty games and explained its role in protecting its' customers' web sites on the internet and in preventing copyright infringement. Mr. Hunter spoke about E-businesses such as Napster, which was deactivated. He compared the downloading of music from it as similar to stealing a CD from a music store but mentioned that no one was ever prosecuted for using it. Ms. Simpson spoke of copyright law in the United States and justified the rationale behind its evolution. However, she mentioned that she could not comment further on the implementation of copyright law in Jordan because each country has its legislators who decide what laws best fit its economy with regards to its nature. Mr. Merriam also touched on the seriousness of copyright infringement and counterfeiting under U.S. law and mentioned that counterfeiting is a felony for which a ten year prison sentence can be ruled, as well as a $2 million fine. A member of the audience amused by the high technology discussed throughout the course of the program, commented on the existence of "cyber cops" saying that "Jordan doesn't have standard regular cops, let alone cyber cops!" He also went on to say that much of what was discussed in the program was invaluable but unfamiliar to most Jordanians. Him being a U.S. graduate and a regular visitor of IT fairs in the U.S. and Europe, found that the program unveiled many new topics related to copyright laws and approaches to the protection of web sites on the internet. 7. Comments: Three ISDN lines were used to make the connection. These ISDN lines yielded a very good picture, resolution and sound. The connection was not obstructed at all during the program. 8. Quality of Support: Excellent. PAS Amman appreciates the support of IIP/G/NEA and NEA/PPD. Many thanks go to Ms. Inga McMichael for her continuous support. We look forward to future cooperation and success on the last DVC program of this quarterly series on IPR. GNEHM |