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SOPA Protests from a Business Owner’s Standpoint

With major websites protesting the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect IP Act (PIPA) by blacking out their pages online, how does a business owner decide to make such a risky move to prove a point? Is it a smart business decision? C.E.L. Founder & Strategist Cindy Leines weighed in on speaking out from a business standpoint.

“Imagine as owner or CEO of your company, you decide to black out or completely shut down your main entrance or your entire business for one day to thousands or millions of customers,” shared Cindy. “That decision is not one that any of us would take lightly, and I don’t believe it is a planned out marketing strategy for most of us.  I applaud Google, Wikipedia and others who have joined the ‘blackout’ by taking a high profile stand to get out accurate information on the implications of this bill.

Like many others, Cindy agrees that online content is already protected legally. “Copyright and trademark infringement is covered within many of the existing laws – just consult your intellectual property attorney!” said Cindy. “The widespread sharing of information and education within the confines of the law is happening online now.  With more than 20 years as a public relations firm, we don’t need more government policing of our personal or business life in the U.S.”

Sometimes making a bold move is a great way to effectively communicate your message. Do you think the widespread blackout was an effective way for the participating websites to attract the right attention?

Published on: January 18, 2012

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