Public Knowledge, April 30, 2008

Earlier today, the House Judiciary Committee approved HR 4279, the Pro-IP bill, which would increase penalties for violations of intellectual property laws, among other items.

The following is the statement of Gigi B. Sohn, president and co-founder of Public Knowledge:

“We are pleased that the Committee amended the bill (HR 4279) to make clear there has to be a ‘substantial connection’ between property to be seized, such as a computer, a car or a house, and any violations of the copyright law. Now that the Committee has approved the bill, we look forward to legislative action on Orphan Works legislation, (HR 5889), that would work to restore balance in copyright law.”

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