Last month, federal law enforcement officials took an important step to curb the growing scourge of intellectual property theft online by seizing the domain names of seven websites that were among the most prolific at illegally distributing copies of motion pictures — including recently released titles such as “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” and “Toy Story 3.” Combined, these sites attracted an estimated 6 million visitors a month, or more than 70 million visitors annually. Yet despite the success of this recent operation, there are still thousands of other sites profiting from online IP theft — through either the sale of counterfeit goods and copyright piracy, or the free distribution of it that generates ad revenues.

This recent crackdown is just the beginning of an effort led by U.S.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) today hailed the passage of H.R. 4061, legislation that would enhance law enforcement’s ability to detect, investigate and prosecute cybercrimes, including crimes that involve the theft of intellectual property (IP). Dr. Mark T. Esper, executive vice president of the U.S. Chamber’s GIPC, issued the following statement regarding the passage of this measure: 

“By enhancing law enforcement’s ability to detect, investigate and prosecute cybercrimes, Congress is taking an important step to further address the crime of Internet piracy and the damaging effect IP theft has on American jobs and our economy.

“The House of Representatives should be commended for its steadfast support of IP rights and active role in helping to ensure that intellectual property is protected online.