Rep. Hank Johnson secures leadership post on IP subcommittee

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) has been elected by his peers to lead the Judiciary Subcommittee – Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet.

The subcommittee has jurisdiction over administration of U.S. Courts, federal rules of evidence, civil and appellate procedure, judicial ethics, patent, copyright and trademark law, information technology and the Internet.

A former judge and criminal defense attorney, Johnson has served on Judiciary since 2007, championing civil liberties, consumer protections and workers’ rights.

“I am honored to be named the top Democrat on the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet,” Johnson said.

“At a time when the Trump Administration is trying to kill Net Neutrality, I am eager to take on the challenge of ensuring that the Internet remains open to all content regardless of source. Content must be available without discrimination and accessible to all.

“I also look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we examine how to improve our nation’s copyright and patent laws. Intellectual property industries create millions of jobs and affect virtually every segment of the U.S. economy. Georgia is home to a burgeoning tech and creative sector. As we work to modernize and streamline our patent and trademark laws and the administration of the U.S. Court system, I look forward to helping Georgia’s and the nation’s businesses grow while at the same time working to protect the rights of creators, artists and inventors.”