It has become commonplace that artists, musicians, writers and other persons who produce creative works are finding their work is being copied, misused and distributed without their knowledge, consent or benefit. In a grassroots effort,  artists are now taking action to make sure that their copyrighted material is safeguarded so that they can continue to earn a living through them.

Several unions, including the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), have joined forces with other entertainment companies to form the Copyright Alliance. The objective of the network of artists and creators is working together in an effort to protect their rights and the work that they create.

 AFTRA President Roberta Reardon in an announcement calls out for help and assistance:

"I urge our members and supporters to join creators nationwide to ensure the creative work of American performers continues to receive protection from theft and exploitation. By upholding copyright protection, creators will have the ability to earn a living from their work and talent which further enrich American culture and the world."

The Copyright Alliance will be sending a letter to President Barack Obama asking his administration to promote policies that support the artist rights.

Current signers include authors, photographers, songwriters, graphic designers, filmmakers, musicians, publishers, jewelry designers, Web designers, photojournalists, illustrators, video game developers, architects, cartoonists, composers, playwrights, voice actors, animators, sculptors, painters and videographers.

Creative works play a major part in the global economy and their intellectual capital must be protected. A report by economist Stephen Siwek reveals that 2007 U.S copyrights contributed about $1.52 trillion to the nation’s gross domestic product, employed more than 11 million workers and represented more than 43 percent of the U.S. economy’s total real growth between 2006 and 2007.

The Copyright Alliance letter that will be given to President Obama in the fall of 2009 can be signed at: http://www.copyrightalliance.org/letter

About the Copyright Alliance:

The Copyright Alliance Education Foundation is the 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable arm of the Copyright Alliance dedicated to developing educational programs aimed at helping America's next generation of creators succeed.