Public Knowledge: Focusing on the Three IPs of Copyright and Communications

Founded by David Bollier and Gigi Sohn in 2001, Public Knowledge is a non-profit public interest group focused on the three IPs of copyright and communications policy, namely, intellectual property, information policy, and Internet protocol. With its headquarters in the United States’ capital, Washington D.C., the organization is well-positioned to promote its cause especially in its involvement with intellectual property law, choice in the digital marketplace, market competition, and an open standards/end-to-end Internet.

Public Knowledge is also well-known in the advocacy industry for its dedication to one of its major causes – copyright defenses and exemptions, including fair use, as well as against copyright expansion. One of its most notable successes was the overturning of the FCC’s rule of placing a broadcast flag for digital television tuners – truly, a jewel in Public Knowledge’s crown of achievements.

Public Knowledge has also been hailed for its rise to prominence as the finest policy advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. within the coalition of organizations working for fair use.

According to its website, Public Knowledge has avowed mission of promoting freedom of expression, access to both creative works and communications tools, and an open Internet. The organization works in shaping policy in the three focus areas on behalf of the public’s welfare and interest.

Public Knowledge is involved in the following activities:

• Ensure universal access to open and affordable networks;
• Advance the general public’s access to information including knowledge
• Promote and protect consumer rights
• Educate the public, press and policymakers through a wide range of tools including analysis, blog posts and white papers as well as videos

By working at the intersection of three areas, namely, telecommunications, copyright and Internet law, it is also in the middle of their convergence. Its experience in these three areas is also an advantage in its advocacy, thus, explaining Public Knowledge’s success.