Key Music Industry Lawyer Named EU Copyright Chief

halfEvilTech writes "The European Union's new point person on copyright policy won't take up her post until mid-April, but she's already stirring up controversy. That's because Maria Martin-Prat spent years directing 'global legal policy' for IFPI, the global recording industry's London-based trade group, before moving back into government. The appointment raises new questions about the past private-sector work of government officials, especially those crafting policy or issuing legal judgments on the same issues they once lobbied for."

People Entering Politics

[Master Moose]

The summary reads like this is of extra concern. Would there be concern if a previous Anti-Copyright campaigner got the seat? Would you rather someone with no knowledge on the topic got the position?

Peoples knowledge, experience and ideals always stems from where a person has come from: Be it business, culture, arts, community.

I would wager that most people aim for positions in political office because they either know about, care for, or are passionate in some way about the seat for which they aim. (and yes, passion can come from being paid to care)

you do need a certain level of expertise

[boguslinks]

If you're going to appoint an attorney in charge of government copyright policy, the thing to do is to get someone with relevant experience. Would you prefer an attorney whose expertise is in Animal Husbandry to get this job?

And if you think it's one of the "bad guys" instead of one of the "good guys" (girls) getting the job... well, working attorneys in copyright (and other "intellectual property" areas) are usually working to protect and monetize the "property" in question. You'd probably have a tough time coming up with a good list of candidates, with good resumes, for the job who share your ideology (or mine) on the issue. Someone like Stephan Kinsella would be both qualified and share our sentiments, but I'm sure he doesn't want the job, nor the job him.

Re:you do need a certain level of expertise

[Anonymous Coward]

Would you prefer an attorney whose expertise is in Animal Husbandry to get this job?

I would prefer somebody who represents the general population, not a tiny vested interest, and not your false dichotomy.

Expertise in copyright law, not policy, is a technical function that should be done by juniors and not policy people.

The fact that I even need to tell you that shows that you are probably part of that vested interest and untrustworthy.