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The theft of intellectual property in general has grown, as has copyright infringement of the art market and art licensing businesses. This unfortunate expansion has been spurred by technological developments and a shrinking global market.
An additional problem for those in the arts is the fragmented nature of the industry. Often when infringements are discovered they are not pursued because the infringers are untouchable due to cost or jurisdiction complications and restraints. To remedy the situation, industry leaders came together and formed the Art Copyright Coalition (ACC).
The ACC has united disparate community members and taken action against infringers as a cohesive group; lowering costs and producing economically rewarding results; and raising awareness of the issues and representing the visual art community concerns. Battling counterfeiters is an expensive & difficult task for any single person or company. Combining forces with reputable companies facing the same challenge is more affordable and has been cost effective for ACC members.
The Coalition has evolved into being the voice of the Visual Arts community in partnering with other industries' leaders in worldwide efforts to combat counterfeiting, in confronting trade shows and retailers who tolerate piracy on their premises and in lobbying on behalf of its members and the Visual Arts community at large on the Hill and with the U.S. Copyright Office. The ACC is committed to taking every action possible to protect art and creativity and to respond to its members' concerns.
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