Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns with the Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act (COICA). I appreciate hearing from you about this important matter.
As you know, intellectual property is an important component of the U.S. economy, and the United States is a global leader in the creation of innovative copyrights and patents. Estimates have shown that countries face hundreds of billions of dollars in annual losses that have grown due to counterfeiting, with the United States facing most of the loss. Moreover, online piracy and counterfeiting goods, ranging from music and movie releases to pharmaceuticals, has expanded greatly with our country's increased reliance on the Internet.
To address these concerns, Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) introduced S. 3804, the Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act (COICA), on September 20, 2010. This legislation would provide the Department of Justice and courts with the tools to block websites "dedicated to infringing activity." Additionally, it would allow domain name owners or website operators to petition courts to remove orders to block their sites. S. 3804 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further review.
With that said, I have heard from a number of constituents, like yourself, who are concerned that the COICA would impose harsh regulations on Internet businesses, and ultimately stifle innovation and free speech. I believe that these are legitimate concerns and, at the end of the day, we need a fair way to address growing intellectual property theft that does not unduly burden Internet commerce or free speech.
Please be assured that I will continue to advocate for reasonable measures that preserve the innovation and free speech in the Internet. Should I have a chance to consider COICA before the full Senate, I will be sure to keep your views in mind. Thank you again for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future about this or other matters of importance to you.
With warm personal regards, I am
Sincerely,
Tom Carper
United States Senator
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