The UK’s intellectual property advisor to Prime Minister David Cameron met US studio heads this week (17) in a publicity drive for content protection.

The Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade is on a tour to drum up support for a US version of Rock The House, the annual music contest he founded in 2011 that draws attention to intellectual property.

Weatherley — a fan of live music and in particular heavy metal stalwarts Iron Maiden — said he has recevied encouraging sounds from Fox Filmed Entertainment chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos and other Hollywood leaders.

“People have got to understand why [intellectual property] is so important,” said Weatherley on Thursday as he prepared to meet California Congresswoman Judy Chu.

The politician said he has tasked staff at the UK Intellectual Property Office to identify 100 “forums” to educate people about copyright protection and related issues.

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