TIA supports passage of Standards Development Organization Advancement Act

The Telecommunications Industry Association supports the U.S. House of Representatives passage of the Standards Development Organization Advancement Act of 2003.

The association urges the bill to be swiftly sent to the president for his signature.

"TIA is grateful to Rep. James Sensebrenner (R-WI) and other sponsors and supporters for their leadership on this legislation," states Dan Bart, senior vice president, standards and special projects. "This law does not provide new exemptions from antitrust compliance, but rather helps in preventing some frivolous actions that could impact an SDO, which is typically a non-profit entity with limited financial means."

TIA, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and many other ANSI-accredited SDOs have supported the updating of the National Cooperative Research and Production Act to encompass additional forms of cooperative activities that benefit the public. The bill amends the act to provide that the conduct of an SDO while engaged in a standards development activity shall be subject to a rule of reason standard in any action under the antitrust laws, eliminate the treble damage provision and allows for recovery of attorney's fees in some cases. The legislation recognizes the long-standing relationship between SDOs and the federal government in developing standards for regulatory and procurement functions.

The TIA is based in Arlington, VA. For more information visit www.tiaonline.org.