DOJ Proposes Crime of Attempted Copyright Infringement

Reports are out on a new administration proposal to criminalize attempted copyright infringement.  The proposed Intellectual Property Protection Act of 2007 is contained in an explanatory letter from Principal Deputy Attorney General Richard A. Hertling to Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid.  CNET has a good take on the bill here, and suggests that a Democratic controlled congress is closer to Hollywood than the previous Republican majority.  Still, past attempts to criminalize attempted infringement have not passed.  AG Alberto Gonzales' low credibility with Congress may have some impact on the ability to move the legislation as proposed.  Lobbyist money thrown at selected legislators will more likely see a law come to a vote.  But you probably knew that already.