2005-08-16 C4C reviews astroturfing strategy
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Campaign for Creativity, an astroturf campaign from the UK, reviews its strategy. 2004-2005 C4C failed to convince members of the European Parliament in the Software Patents debate. It's astroturfing tactics were criticized by lobby watch organisations. Now C4C describes its future mission as a containment strategy for growing opposition "against intellectual property" on the international level.
Scenario according to C4C
Simon Gentry is rallying support by making claim that certain unnamed groups which are allegedly opposed to all "intellectual property" and in particular to all patents, are becoming a growing threat to his constituency:
- "The groups opposed to intellectual property rights, and patents in particular, are increasingly influential and active at national, European and global levels. Drawn from a range of ideological backgrounds, some oppose IP because they oppose the concept of private property and believe that IP is "the privatisation of ideas". Others believe that IP hampers competition and reinforces the position of large companies. Others believe that IP acts against the "common good", particularly in the field of medicines. They are forging links, networking and building alliances with the media, academics, government officials and politicians. Their influence is increasingly apparent in the political debate in national capitals, in Brussels and in international fora such as the World Intellectual Property Organisation and the World Trade Organisation."
