Legislative Background on Internet Piracy
Recent Action by Congress on Protecting Intellectual Property
In recent years, Congress has been focusing more closely on legislation to respond to the growing threat of counterfeiting and piracy over the Internet. The measures target “rogue websites” — often foreign-owned and operated — that traffic in knock-offs of consumer products, fake drugs, and illicit copies of U.S. software, music, movies, and other online content. Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act. In September 2010, Senators Patrick Leahy (VT-D), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced S. 3804, the Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act (COICA). The bill authorized the U.S. attorney general to take action against a domain…
