Rep. Darrell Issa was named chairman of a House subcommittee important to the entertainment and Internet industries. The California Republican will take the place of retiring Howard Coble in leading the House Subcommittee on the Internet, Courts and Intellectual Property when the next Congress convenes in January. Rep. Doug Collins was named vice-chair.
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The announcement comes with a wrinkle. The Judiciary Committee's press release regarding Issa's appointment said "all copyright-related issues will be handled at the full Committee." The switch to the House Judiciary would put many issues important to the music industry under the direct supervision of Bob Goodlatte, who announced in April 2013 a major review of copyright law. To date, hearings on these matters ranging from music licensing to copyright term have been held by the subcommittee. Exactly which copyright issues Goodlatte will keep for himself is not clear.