NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 19, 2010

CONTACT: ERIKA N. MARZORATI
517/432-6848, marzorat@law.msu.edu

MSU Law Maintains Voice in Public Debate Over Future of Open Internet

East Lansing, MI — Transparency and case-by-case enforcement are essential elements of rules aimed at preserving an open Internet, according to Michigan State University College of Law Intellectual Property & Communications Law Program comments to the Federal Communications Commission.

The January 14 filing by IPCLP Acting Director Adam Candeub and IP Fellow Daniel John McCartney emphasized the need for complete, consistent and real-time disclosure of both internal traffic management practices and external interconnection agreements to effectively prevent network owners from blocking traffic and impeding access to the Internet. Professor Candeub and McCartney argue that, without such requirements, the FCC cannot respond effectively to network discrimination. The comments encourage the Commission to adopt an ex post mode of enforcement, which the IPCLP asserts will lay the foundation for a body of law informed by data and experience.

"This is a pivotal time in the future of the Internet," says Professor Candeub, who commended the FCC's commitment to open rulemaking proceedings. "The IPCLP will continue to draw on recent scholarship in the field to maintain a prominent voice among other key public interest stakeholders in this debate."

The IPCLP, one of the nation's foremost centers for the study of IP and communications law, provides a forum for MSU Law faculty and students to research policy and explore cutting-edge issues in the discipline.

Michigan State University College of Law is a leading institution of legal education with a long history of creating practice-ready attorneys. As one of only a few private law schools affiliated with a major research university, MSU Law offers comprehensive interdisciplinary opportunities combined with a personalized legal education. After 100 years as a private and independent Law College, the affiliation with MSU has put the Law College on an upward trajectory of national and international reputation and reach. MSU Law professors are gifted teachers and distinguished scholars, its curriculum rigorous and challenging, and its facility equipped with the latest resources—all affirming MSU Law's commitment to educating 21st century lawyers.

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