Congress Debates Database Protections
BR Congress Debates Database Protections By Neil Munro Staff Writer Congress has begun a slow-motion debate on a hot-button issue: whether to give databases new legal protections against theft or misuse. The centerpiece of the debate is a draft bill introduced by Rep. Howard Coble, R-N.C., chairman of the intellectual property panel of the House Committee on the Judiciary. "We think it is a fairly balanced bill. People on both sides aren't overwhelmingly
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Congress Debates Database Protections
By Neil Munro
Staff Writer
Congress has begun a slow-motion debate on a hot-button issue: whether to give databases new legal protections against theft or misuse.
The centerpiece of the debate is a draft bill introduced by Rep. Howard Coble, R-N.C., chairman of the intellectual property panel of the House Committee on the Judiciary.
"We think it is a fairly balanced bill. People on both sides aren't overwhelmingly thrilled with it. ... It is a starting point" for legislators, companies and groups interested in the issue, said Vince Garlock, counsel for Coble's committee. The committee held an Oct. 23 hearing on the bill and plans to hold another hearing by February, he said.
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