In recent weeks, the Obama Administration has shown an increased commitment to deterring copyright infringement, enforcing intellectual property protection and fighting Internet theft.
The Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) launched "Operation In Our Sites," an important new federal initiative to fight Internet theft. ICE Assistant Secretary John Morton was joined by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, the DGA, IATSE, the MPAA and the studios. Morton reported to the assembled crowd that "Operation In Our Sites" had already conducted its first action that morning, seizing the domain names of nine websites that host pirated material such as first-run movies that are still in theatrical release, and seizing assets from 15 bank, PayPal, investment and advertising accounts.
News of the seizures garnered ample media attention as a powerful example of concrete action to enforce copyright protections and take steps against those who would attempt to profit from the illegal use of content, such as the films and television programs created by DGA members. Morton said the seizures represented the beginning of a long-term effort in which 'Operation In Our Sites' would seize websites that made illegal content available for streaming or downloading, prosecute the owners and forfeit proceeds. Morton also pledged that if a seized site reappears online in a different location, so will ICE.
The operation, which involved more than 100 agents in 11 states and the Netherlands, is a first-of-its-kind effort to target sites that knowingly trade in illegal content. By taking action against intermediaries like PayPal or advertisers who profit by making their legitimate businesses or services available on these illegal sites, the federal government was in effect giving notice to third parties who do business on sites that engage in Internet theft that they are not immune from enforcement efforts.
ICE manages the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) which directs the federal government's response to Internet theft. The IPR Center also coordinates outreach to copyright holders, conducts domestic and international law enforcement training to help curtail Internet theft and coordinates and directs anti-counterfeiting investigations. "Operation In Our Sites" will target the online theft of films, music, counterfeit pharmaceuticals, software, electronics, games and other products.
