Thank you for contacting me to express your concern about the Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act, S. 3804. I appreciate hearing from you on this issue.
Effective enforcement of intellectual property laws is critical to encouraging innovation and creating jobs. In recent years, we have seen a proliferation of rogue internet websites that are devoted to the unauthorized distribution and sale of pirated and counterfeit goods. These websites deprive innovators and businesses of revenue and result in the loss of American jobs. The bipartisan Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act (COICA) would authorize the Department of Justice to pursue court orders to shut down these websites that are dedicated to selling pirated and counterfeit goods.
It is important to note that this legislation seeks to address a serious problem without inappropriately restricting internet freedom. The Justice Department currently lacks tools to effectively enforce anti-piracy and counterfeiting laws against websites that are dedicated to distributing material in violation of these laws. This legislation seeks to address this problem by enabling the Justice Department to target these websites through court orders, while also providing the websites with the opportunity to petition a court to lift an order. The bill is narrowly tailored so as to not sweep in legitimate websites and includes important procedural protections to prevent misuse of this authority.
COICA has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. As a member of this committee, I will keep your views in mind as the committee considers this bill.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
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