Senator Leahy introduced the PROTECT-IP Act (S. 968) on May 12, designed to combat websites “dedicated to infringing activities.”  The legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Schumer, Feinstein, Whitehouse, Graham, Kohl Coons, and Blumenthal.  According to the official summary, the legislation would allow the Justice Department obtain court orders against these sites and require third parties to “either prevent access to the internet site (in the case of an internet service provider or search engine), or cease doing business with the internet site (in the case of a payment processor or advertising network).”  Unlike last year’s Combating Online Infringements and Counterfeits Act, private IP owners can bring similar actions against payment processors and advertisers.  The PROTECT-IP Act also contains a safe harbor for firms that take voluntary actions against sites selling illegitimate pharmaceuticals online.

Documents from Sen. Leahy’s Office

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