Abstract
According to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, the Justice Department recently submitted a package of legislative proposals to Congress that would broaden the scope of laws to protect copyright and would strengthen law enforcement powers to investigate such crimes. Among the proposals are recommendations to allow enforcement of copyrights, regardless of whether they are registered; to hold those found guilty of infringement liable for compensation to the victims; and to allow the seizure and destruction of counterfeit goods, equipment used to make such goods, and property acquired with the profits from such goods. The proposals would also make it a crime to "attempt to infringe copyright." Groups such as the Business Software Alliance and the Recording Industry Association of America welcomed the proposed changes to copyright law, while those concerned about fair use rights expressed reservations. An organization called Public Knowledge said in a statement that it is "concerned that the Justice Department's proposal attempts to enforce copyright law in ways it has never before been enforced."