Taking a Stand on Protect IP

Today we posted on the USV blog about a letter against the Protect IP Act.  The letter is signed by 53 VCs from 40 different firms representing over $13 billion in equity capital.  Our central objection to the act is that it will harm innovation but we are also pointing out that it will be used by other nations to justify even more restrictive legislation thus harming everyone.  Finally, if you don’t believe that government agencies will inevitably overreach, read Marco Arment’s account of the FBI simply taking one of the Instapaper servers in a raid.  That in combination with a story such as Andy Baio’s that shows the power of copyright holders should make it amply clear why Protect IP is a bad idea.  Now if you agree (or disagree) head over to Popvox and make your opinion heard by your representatives.