The draft law, known as the “Intellectual Property Protection
Act 2005”, was unveiled by the Attorney General Alberto Gonzales in
a speech to the US Chamber of Commerce yesterday.
"This is a comprehensive legislative package designed by the
Department of Justice to help overhaul and update America's
intellectual property statutes," said Attorney General Gonzales.
"This legislation is a reflection of the sustained commitment on
the part of the Bush Administration, including the Department of
Justice, to ensure that we are doing everything we can do to combat
this problem."
The Justice Department has been cracking down on piracy in all
forms – from online file-sharing to the manufacture of luxury goods
– but wants to make things even more difficult for pirates.
The Act includes provisions to:
Permit the forfeiture of property derived from or used in
committing criminal intellectual property offences;
- Criminalise intellectual property theft carried out to gain
commercial advantage or private profit; and
- Strengthen restitution provisions for those affected by
piracy.
