In a vote across party lines, the FCC recently voted to roll back net neutrality Obama Era protections. Some activist groups such as Mozilla claim this move, will end the internet as we know it, harming every day users and small businesses, eroding free speech, competition, innovation and user choice in the process. That is part of the impact this decision may have on patent law, making it easier for start-ups and smaller companies to have their web content filtered out by their competitors. A specific situation requires a consultation with a patent lawyer Chicago IL trusts.
Several states, including the Attorney General of New York plan to file lawsuits to object to this move. Before the vote there were several large scale in person and online protests, including a “Break the Internet” blackout organized by several large Net companies such as Etsy and Mozilla.
Chairman Pai of the FCC defended the vote explaining that the move can allow medical and safety net access such as remote surgical operations & self-driving cars to have priority over novelty entertainment uploads.
Critics of the FCC vote noted, “Companies that pushed for an end to Net Neutrality have the technical ability and business incentive to discriminate and manipulate your internet traffic. Now the FCC as an agency gives them the legal green light to go ahead.”
Several state attorneys general said before the vote they would oppose the ruling, citing issues with the public comment period. Other critics have said they will consider challenging what they see as weaker enforcement as this ruling has direct and indirect consequences to technology and innovation incentives. Some patent attorneys felt this decision, which favors large companies such as ATT, Comcast, etc. could over the long run provide more financial incentives to create new and innovative digital content. Time will tell how the controversial ruling plays out.
Thanks to our friends and contributors at the Law Offices of Konrad Sherinian and their insights.