Thank you for contacting me regarding S.968, the Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property (PROTECT IP) Act. I appreciate hearing from you.
Let me begin by saying I strongly support safeguarding the intellectual property of all Americans. Intellectual property rights are vital to our economy. Every day that intellectual property is insufficiently safeguarded, American businesses stand to lose billions of dollars that result in the loss of thousands of jobs due to copyright infringement and the sale of counterfeit goods. As you may know, I supported the American Invents Act (S.23), which passed the Senate. This legislation would streamline the patent application process, establish new rules to protect inventors and eliminate unworthy patents, and create consistency for all applicants and patent owners in the application and litigation processes. It provides for the first significant changes to the nation’s patent system in nearly 60 years, and in the process creates jobs and boosts the economy without adding a dime to the deficit. On June 23, 2011, the House of Representatives passed similar legislation, and now these two versions must be reconciled.
The advent of the Internet has led to countless cultural and economic benefits, and American entrepreneurs should be able to market their products and services online without fear of illegal imitation or distribution. However, the Internet is an open forum for people to freely share content, and I believe it should remain that way as long as it is done in accordance with our laws.
As you may know, the PROTECT IP Act was introduced by Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont on May 5, 2011. This legislation would authorize the Attorney General to seek legal action through the courts to combat against Internet sites dedicated to infringing activities. Temporary restraining orders or injunctions may be issued to these sites in addition to court orders to U.S.-based search engines, payment processors, advertising networks, and Internet service providers to stop providing services to blacklisted sites. The bill uses a very narrow definition of an Internet site “dedicated to infringing activities” to include those that have no significant use other than to abuse current copyright and patent laws.
The PROTECT IP Act received unanimous support from the Senate Judiciary Committee. It now awaits consideration by the full Senate. Rest assured I will keep your thoughts and concerns in mind should this legislation be debated on the Senate floor.
I value the input of fellow Coloradans in considering the wide variety of important issues and legislative initiatives that come before the Senate. I hope you will continue to inform me of your thoughts and concerns.
For more information about my priorities as a U.S. Senator, I invite you to visit my website at http://bennet.senate.gov/. Again, thank you for contacting me.
Sincerely,
Michael Bennet
United States Senator
.
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