II Calendar No. 70 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 968 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 12, 2011 Mr. Leahy (for himself, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Schumer, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Graham, Mr. Kohl, Mr. Coons, Mr. Blumenthal, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Franken, Mr. Blunt, Mr. Alexander, Mrs. Gillibrand, and Mr. Rubio) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary May 26, 2011 Reported by Mr. Leahy, with an amendment Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic A BILL To prevent online threats to economic creativity and theft of intellectual property, and for other purposes.
1.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011 or the PROTECT IP Act of 2011.
2.
Definitions
For purposes of this Act— (1)the term domain name has the same meaning as in section 45 of the Lanham Act (15 U.S.C. 1127); (2)the term domain name system server means a server or other mechanism used to provide the Internet protocol address associated with a domain name; (3)the term financial transaction provider has the same meaning as in section 5362(4) of title 31, United States Code; (4)the term information location tool has the same meaning as described in subsection (d) of section 512 of title 17, United States Code; (5)the term Internet advertising service means a service that for compensation sells, purchases, brokers, serves, inserts, verifies, or clears the placement of an advertisement, including a paid or sponsored search result, link, or placement that is rendered in viewable form for any period of time on an Internet site; (6)the term Internet site means the collection of digital assets, including links, indexes, or pointers to digital assets, accessible through the Internet that are addressed relative to a common domain name; (7)the term Internet site dedicated to infringing activities means an Internet site that— (A)has no significant use other than engaging in, enabling, or facilitating the— (i)reproduction, distribution, or public performance of copyrighted works, in complete or substantially complete form, in a manner that constitutes copyright infringement under section 501 of title 17, United States Code; (ii)violation of section 1201 of title 17, United States Code; or (iii)sale, distribution, or promotion of goods, services, or materials bearing a counterfeit mark, as that term is defined in section 34(d) of the Lanham Act; or (B)is designed, operated, or marketed by its operator or persons operating in concert with the operator, and facts or circumstances suggest is used, primarily as a means for engaging in, enabling, or facilitating the activities described under clauses (i), (ii), or (iii) of subparagraph (A); (8)the term Lanham Act means the Act entitled An Act to provide for the registration and protection of trademarks used in commerce, to carry out the provisions of certain international conventions, and for other purposes, approved July 5, 1946 (commonly referred to as the Trademark Act of 1946 or the Lanham Act); (9)the term nondomestic domain name means a domain name for which the domain name registry that issued the domain name and operates the relevant top level domain, and the domain name registrar for the domain name, are not located in the United States; (10)the term owner or operator when used in connection with an Internet site shall include, respectively, any owner of a majority interest in, or any person with authority to operate, such Internet site; and (11)the term qualifying plaintiff means— (A)the Attorney General of the United States; or (B)an owner of an intellectual property right, or one authorized to enforce such right, harmed by the activities of an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities occurring on that Internet site.
3.
Enhancing enforcement against rogue websites operated and registered overseas
(a)
Commencement of an action
(1)
In personam
The Attorney General may commence an in personam action against— (A)a registrant of a nondomestic domain name used by an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities; or (B)an owner or operator of an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities accessed through a nondomestic domain name. (2)
In rem
If through due diligence the Attorney General is unable to find a person described in subparagraphs (A) or (B) of paragraph (1), or no such person found has an address within a judicial district of the United States, the Attorney General may commence an in rem action against a nondomestic domain name used by an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities. (b)
Orders of the court
(1)
In general
On application of the Attorney General following the commencement of an action under this section, the court may issue a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction, or an injunction, in accordance with rule 65 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, against the nondomestic domain name used by an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities, or against a registrant of such domain name, or the owner or operator of such Internet site dedicated to infringing activities, to cease and desist from undertaking any further activity as an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities, if— (A)the domain name is used within the United States to access such Internet site; and (B)the Internet site— (i)conducts business directed to residents of the United States; and (ii)harms holders of United States intellectual property rights. (2)
Determination by the court
For purposes of determining whether an Internet site conducts business directed to residents of the United States under paragraph (1)(B)(i), a court may consider, among other indicia, whether— (A)the Internet site is providing goods or services described in section 2(7) to users located in the United States; (B)there is evidence that the Internet site is not intended to provide— (i)such goods and services to users located in the United States; (ii)access to such goods and services to users located in the United States; and (iii)delivery of such goods and services to users located in the United States; (C)the Internet site has reasonable measures in place to prevent such goods and services from being accessed from or delivered to the United States; (D)the Internet site offers services obtained in the United States; and (E)any prices for goods and services are indicated in the currency of the United States. (c)
Notice and service of process
(1)
In general
Upon commencing an action under this section, the Attorney General shall send a notice of the alleged violation and intent to proceed under this Act to the registrant of the domain name of the Internet site— (A)at the postal and e-mail address appearing in the applicable publicly accessible database of registrations, if any and to the extent such addresses are reasonably available; (B)via the postal and e-mail address of the registrar, registry, or other domain name registration authority that registered or assigned the domain name, to the extent such addresses are reasonably available; and (C)in any other such form as the court finds necessary, including as may be required by Rule 4(f) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. (2)
Rule of construction
For purposes of this section, the actions described in this subsection shall constitute service of process. (d)
Required actions based on court orders
(1)
Service
A Federal law enforcement officer, with the prior approval of the court, may serve a copy of a court order issued pursuant to this section on similarly situated entities within each class described in paragraph (2). Proof of service shall be filed with the court. (2)
Reasonable measures
After being served with a copy of an order pursuant to this subsection: (A)
Operators
(i)
In general
An operator of a nonauthoritative domain name system server shall take the least burdensome technically feasible and reasonable measures designed to prevent the domain name described in the order from resolving to that domain name’s Internet protocol address, except that— (I)such operator shall not be required— (aa)other than as directed under this subparagraph, to modify its network, software, systems, or facilities; (bb)to take any measures with respect to domain name lookups not performed by its own domain name server or domain name system servers located outside the United States; or (cc)to continue to prevent access to a domain name to which access has been effectively disable by other means; and (II)nothing in this subparagraph shall affect the limitation on the liability of such an operator under section 512 of title 17, United States Code. (ii)
Text of notice
The Attorney General shall prescribe the text of the notice displayed to users or customers of an operator taking an action pursuant to this subparagraph. Such text shall specify that the action is being taken pursuant to a court order obtained by the Attorney General. (B)
Financial transaction providers
A financial transaction provider shall take reasonable measures, as expeditiously as reasonable, designed to prevent, prohibit, or suspend its service from completing payment transactions involving customers located within the United States and the Internet site associated with the domain name set forth in the order. (C)
Internet advertising services
An Internet advertising service that contracts with the Internet site associated with the domain name set forth in the order to provide advertising to or for that site, or which knowingly serves advertising to or for such site, shall take technically feasible and reasonable measures, as expeditiously as reasonable, designed to— (i)prevent its service from providing advertisements to the Internet site associated with such domain name; or (ii)cease making available advertisements for that site, or paid or sponsored search results, links or other placements that provide access to the domain name. (D)
Information location tools
An information location tool shall take technically feasible and reasonable measures, as expeditiously as possible, to— (i)remove or disable access to the Internet site associated with the domain name set forth in the order; or (ii)not serve a hypertext link to such Internet site. (3)
Communication with users
Except as provided under paragraph (2)(A)(ii), an entity taking an action described in this subsection shall determine whether and how to communicate such action to the entity's users or customers. (4)
Rule of construction
For purposes of an action commenced under this section, the obligations of an entity described in this subsection shall be limited to the actions set out in each paragraph or subparagraph applicable to such entity, and no order issued pursuant to this section shall impose any additional obligations on, or require additional actions by, such entity. (5)
Actions pursuant to court order
(A)
Immunity from suit
No cause of action shall lie in any Federal or State court or administrative agency against any entity receiving a court order issued under this subsection, or against any director, officer, employee, or agent thereof, for any act reasonably designed to comply with this subsection or reasonably arising from such order, other than in an action pursuant to subsection (e). (B)
Immunity from liability
Any entity receiving an order under this subsection, and any director, officer, employee, or agent thereof, shall not be liable to any party for any acts reasonably designed to comply with this subsection or reasonably arising from such order, other than in an action pursuant to subsection (e), and any actions taken by customers of such entity to circumvent any restriction on access to the Internet domain instituted pursuant to this subsection or any act, failure, or inability to restrict access to an Internet domain that is the subject of a court order issued pursuant to this subsection despite good faith efforts to do so by such entity shall not be used by any person in any claim or cause of action against such entity, other than in an action pursuant to subsection (e). (e)
Enforcement of orders
(1)
In general
In order to compel compliance with this section, the Attorney General may bring an action for injunctive relief against any party receiving a court order issued pursuant to this section that knowingly and willfully fails to comply with such order. (2)
Rule of construction
The authority granted the Attorney General under paragraph (1) shall be the sole legal remedy for enforcing the obligations under this section of any entity described in subsection (d). (3)
Defense
A defendant in an action under paragraph (1) may establish an affirmative defense by showing that the defendant does not have the technical means to comply with the subsection without incurring an unreasonable economic burden, or that the order is inconsistent with this Act. This showing shall serve as a defense only to the extent of such inability to comply or to the extent of such inconsistency. (f)
Modification or vacation of orders
(1)
In general
At any time after the issuance of an order under subsection (b), a motion to modify, suspend, or vacate the order may be filed by— (A)any person, or owner or operator of property, bound by the order; (B)any registrant of the domain name, or the owner or operator of the Internet site subject to the order; (C)any domain name registrar or registry that has registered or assigned the domain name of the Internet site subject to the order; or (D)any entity that has received a copy of an order pursuant to subsection (d) requiring such entity to take action prescribed in that subsection. (2)
Relief
Relief under this subsection shall be proper if the court finds that— (A)the Internet site associated with the domain name subject to the order is no longer, or never was, an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities; or (B)the interests of justice require that the order be modified, suspended, or vacated. (3)
Consideration
In making a relief determination under paragraph (2), a court may consider whether the domain name has expired or has been re-registered by a different party. (g)
Related actions
The Attorney General, if alleging that an Internet site previously adjudicated to be an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities is accessible or has been reconstituted at a different domain name, may commence a related action under this section against the additional domain name in the same judicial district as the previous action.
4.
Eliminating the financial incentive to steal intellectual property online
(a)
Commencement of an action
(1)
In personam
A qualifying plaintiff may commence an in personam action against— (A)a registrant of a domain name used by an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities; or (B)an owner or operator of an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities accessed through a domain name. (2)
In rem
If through due diligence a qualifying plaintiff is unable to find a person described in subparagraphs (A) or (B) of paragraph (1), or no such person found has an address within a judicial district of the United States, the Attorney General may commence an in rem action against a domain name used by an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities. (b)
Orders of the court
(1)
In general
On application of a qualifying plaintiff following the commencement of an action under this section, the court may issue a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction, or an injunction, in accordance with rule 65 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, against the domain name used by an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities, or against a registrant of such domain name, or the owner or operator of such Internet site dedicated to infringing activities, to cease and desist from undertaking any further activity as an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities, if— (A)the domain name is registered or assigned by a domain name registrar or domain name registry that located or doing business in the United States; or (B)(i)the domain name is used within the United States to access such Internet site; and (ii)the Internet site— (I)conducts business directed to residents of the United States; and (II)harms holders of United States intellectual property rights. (2)
Determination by the court
For purposes of determining whether an Internet site conducts business directed to residents of the United States under paragraph (1)(B)(ii)(I), a court may consider, among other indicia, whether— (A)the Internet site is providing goods or services described in section 2(7) to users located in the United States; (B)there is evidence that the Internet site is not intended to provide— (i)such goods and services to users located in the United States; (ii)access to such goods and services to users located in the United States; and (iii)delivery of such goods and services to users located in the United States; (C)the Internet site has reasonable measures in place to prevent such goods and services from being accessed from or delivered to the United States; (D)the Internet site offers services obtained in the United States; and (E)any prices for goods and services are indicated in the currency of the United States. (c)
Notice and service of process
(1)
In general
Upon commencing an action under this section, the qualifying plaintiff shall send a notice of the alleged violation and intent to proceed under this Act to the registrant of the domain name of the Internet site— (A)at the postal and e-mail address appearing in the applicable publicly accessible database of registrations, if any and to the extent such addresses are reasonably available; (B)via the postal and e-mail address of the registrar, registry, or other domain name registration authority that registered or assigned the domain name, to the extent such addresses are reasonably available; and (C)in any other such form as the court finds necessary, including as may be required by Rule 4(f) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. (2)
Rule of construction
For purposes of this section, the actions described in this subsection shall constitute service of process. (d)
Required actions based on court orders
(1)
Service
A qualifying plaintiff, with the prior approval of the court, may, serve a copy of a court order issued pursuant to this section on similarly situated entities within each class described in paragraph (2). Proof of service shall be filed with the court. (2)
Reasonable measures
After being served with a copy of an order pursuant to this subsection: (A)
Financial transaction providers
A financial transaction provider shall take reasonable measures, as expeditiously as reasonable, designed to prevent, prohibit, or suspend its service from completing payment transactions involving customers located within the United States and the Internet site associated with the domain name set forth in the order. (B)
Internet advertising services
An Internet advertising service that contracts with the Internet site associated with the domain name set forth in the order to provide advertising to or for that site, or which knowingly serves advertising to or for such site, shall take technically feasible and reasonable measures, as expeditiously as reasonable, designed to— (i)prevent its service from providing advertisements to the Internet site associated with such domain name; or (ii)cease making available advertisements for that site, or paid or sponsored search results, links, or placements that provide access to the domain name. (3)
Communication with users
An entity taking an action described in this subsection shall determine how to communicate such action to the entity's users or customers. (4)
Rule of construction
For purposes of an action commenced under this section, the obligations of an entity described in this subsection shall be limited to the actions set out in each paragraph or subparagraph applicable to such entity, and no order issued pursuant to this section shall impose any additional obligations on, or require additional actions by, such entity. (5)
Actions pursuant to court order
(A)
Immunity from suit
No cause of action shall lie in any Federal or State court or administrative agency against any entity receiving a court order issued under this subsection, or against any director, officer, employee, or agent thereof, for any act reasonably designed to comply with this subsection or reasonably arising from such order, other than in an action pursuant to subsection (e). (B)
Immunity from liability
Any entity receiving an order under this subsection, and any director, officer, employee, or agent thereof, shall not be liable to any party for any acts reasonably designed to comply with this subsection or reasonably arising from such order, other than in an action pursuant to subsection (e), and any actions taken by customers of such entity to circumvent any restriction on access to the Internet domain instituted pursuant to this subsection or any act, failure, or inability to restrict access to an Internet domain that is the subject of a court order issued pursuant to this subsection despite good faith efforts to do so by such entity shall not be used by any person in any claim or cause of action against such entity, other than in an action pursuant to subsection (e). (e)
Enforcement of orders
(1)
In general
In order to compel compliance with this section, the qualifying plaintiff may bring an action for injunctive relief against any party receiving a court order issued pursuant to this section that knowingly and willfully fails to comply with such order. (2)
Rule of construction
The authority granted a qualifying plaintiff under paragraph (1) shall be the sole legal remedy for enforcing the obligations under this section of any entity described in subsection (d). (3)
Defense
A defendant in an action commenced under paragraph (1) may establish an affirmative defense by showing that the defendant does not have the technical means to comply with the subsection without incurring an unreasonable economic burden, or that the order is inconsistent with this Act. This showing shall serve as a defense only to the extent of such inability to comply or to the extent of such inconsistency. (f)
Modification or vacation of orders
(1)
In general
At any time after the issuance of an order under subsection (b), a motion to modify, suspend, or vacate the order may be filed by— (A)any person, or owner or operator of property, bound by the order; (B)any registrant of the domain name, or the owner or operator of the Internet site subject to the order; (C)any domain name registrar or registry that has registered or assigned the domain name of the Internet site subject to the order; or (D)any entity that has received a copy of an order pursuant to subsection (d) requiring such entity to take action prescribed in that subsection. (2)
Relief
Relief under this subsection shall be proper if the court finds that— (A)the Internet site associated with the domain name subject to the order is no longer, or never was, dedicated to infringing activities as defined in this Act; or (B)the interests of justice require that the order be modified, suspended, or vacated. (3)
Consideration
In making a relief determination under paragraph (2), a court may consider whether the domain name has expired or has been re-registered by a different party. (g)
Related actions
A qualifying plaintiff, if alleging that an Internet site previously adjudicated to be an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities is accessible or has been reconstituted at a different domain name, may commence a related action under this section against the additional domain name in the same judicial district as the previous action.
5.
Voluntary action against websites stealing American intellectual property
(a)
In general
No financial transaction provider or Internet advertising service shall be liable for damages to any person for voluntarily taking any action described in section 3(d) or 4(d) with regard to an Internet site if the entity acting in good faith and based on credible evidence has a reasonable belief that the Internet site is an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities. (b)
Internet sites engaged in infringing activities that endanger the public health
(1)
Refusal of service
A domain name registry, domain name registrar, financial transaction provider, information location tool, or Internet advertising service, acting in good faith and based on credible evidence, may stop providing or refuse to provide services to an infringing Internet site that endangers the public health. (2)
Immunity from liability
An entity described in paragraph (1), including its directors, officers, employees, or agents, that ceases or refused to provide services under paragraph (1) shall not be liable to any party under any Federal or State law for such action. (3)
Definitions
For purposes of this subsection— (A)the term adulterated has the same meaning as in section 501 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 351); (B)an infringing Internet site that endangers the public health means— (i)an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities for which the counterfeit products that it offers, sells, dispenses, or distributes are controlled or non-controlled prescription medication; or (ii)an Internet site that has no significant use other than, or is designed, operated, or marketed by its operator or persons operating in concert with the operator, and facts or circumstances suggest is used, primarily as a means for— (I)offering, selling, dispensing, or distributing any controlled or non-controlled prescription medication, and does so regularly without a valid prescription; or (II)offering, selling, dispensing, or distributing any controlled or non-controlled prescription medication, and does so regularly for medication that is adulterated or misbranded; (C)the term misbranded has the same meaning as in section 502 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 352); and (D)the term valid prescription has the same meaning as in section 309(e)(2)(A) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 829(e)(2)(A)).
6.
Savings clauses
(a)
Rule of construction relating to civil and criminal remedies
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit or expand civil or criminal remedies available to any person (including the United States) for infringing activities on the Internet pursuant to any other Federal or State law. (b)
Rule of construction relating to vicarious or contributory liability
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to enlarge or diminish vicarious or contributory liability for any cause of action available under title 17, United States Code, including any limitations on liability under section 512 of such title 17, or to create an obligation to take action pursuant to section 5 of this Act. (c)
Relationship with section 512 of title 17
Nothing in this Act, and no order issued or served pursuant to sections 3 or 4 of this Act, shall serve as a basis for determining the application of section 512 of title 17, United States Code.
7.
Guidelines and studies
(a)
Guidelines
The Attorney General shall— (1)publish procedures developed in consultation with other relevant law enforcement agencies, including the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to receive information from the public about Internet sites dedicated to infringing activities; (2)provide guidance to intellectual property rights holders about what information such rights holders should provide law enforcement agencies to initiate an investigation pursuant to this Act; (3)provide guidance to intellectual property rights holders about how to supplement an ongoing investigation initiated pursuant to this Act; (4)establish standards for prioritization of actions brought under this Act; (5)provide appropriate resources and procedures for case management and development to affect timely disposition of actions brought under this Act; and (6)develop a deconfliction process in consultation with other law enforcement agencies, including the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to coordinate enforcement activities brought under this Act. (b)
Reports
(1)
Report on effectiveness of certain measures
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator, shall conduct a study and report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives on the following: (A)An assessment of the effects, if any, of the implementation of section 3(d)(2)(A) on the accessibility of Internet sites dedicated to infringing activity. (B)An assessment of the effects, if any, of the implementation of section 3(d)(2)(A) on the deployment, security, and reliability of the domain name system and associated Internet processes, including Domain Name System Security Extensions. (C)Recommendations, if any, for modifying or amending this Act to increase effectiveness or ameliorate any unintended effects of section 3(d)(2)(A). (2)
Report on overall effectiveness
The Register of Copyrights shall, in consultation with the appropriate departments and agencies of the United States and other stakeholders— (A)conduct a study on— (i)the enforcement and effectiveness of this Act; and (ii)the need to modify or amend this Act to apply to emerging technologies; and (B)not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, submit a report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives on— (i)the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A); and (ii)any recommendations that the Register may have as a result of the study.
1.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011 or the PROTECT IP Act of 2011.
2.
Definitions
For purposes of this Act— (1)the term domain name has the same meaning as in section 45 of the Lanham Act (15 U.S.C. 1127); (2)the term domain name system server means a server or other mechanism used to provide the Internet protocol address associated with a domain name; (3)the term financial transaction provider has the same meaning as in section 5362(4) of title 31, United States Code; (4)the term information location tool has the same meaning as described in subsection (d) of section 512 of title 17, United States Code; (5)the term Internet advertising service means a service that for compensation sells, purchases, brokers, serves, inserts, verifies, or clears the placement of an advertisement, including a paid or sponsored search result, link, or placement that is rendered in viewable form for any period of time on an Internet site; (6)the term Internet site means the collection of digital assets, including links, indexes, or pointers to digital assets, accessible through the Internet that are addressed relative to a common domain name; (7)the term Internet site dedicated to infringing activities means an Internet site that— (A)has no significant use other than engaging in, enabling, or facilitating the— (i)reproduction, distribution, or public performance of copyrighted works, in complete or substantially complete form, in a manner that constitutes copyright infringement under section 501 of title 17, United States Code; (ii)violation of section 1201 of title 17, United States Code; or (iii)sale, distribution, or promotion of goods, services, or materials bearing a counterfeit mark, as that term is defined in section 34(d) of the Lanham Act; or (B)is designed, operated, or marketed by its operator or persons operating in concert with the operator, and facts or circumstances suggest is used, primarily as a means for engaging in, enabling, or facilitating the activities described under clauses (i), (ii), or (iii) of subparagraph (A); (8)the term Lanham Act means the Act entitled An Act to provide for the registration and protection of trademarks used in commerce, to carry out the provisions of certain international conventions, and for other purposes, approved July 5, 1946 (commonly referred to as the Trademark Act of 1946 or the Lanham Act); (9)the term nondomestic domain name means a domain name for which the domain name registry that issued the domain name and operates the relevant top level domain, and the domain name registrar for the domain name, are not located in the United States; (10)the term owner or operator when used in connection with an Internet site shall include, respectively, any owner of a majority interest in, or any person with authority to operate, such Internet site; and (11)the term qualifying plaintiff means— (A)the Attorney General of the United States; or (B)an owner of an intellectual property right, or one authorized to enforce such right, harmed by the activities of an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities occurring on that Internet site.
3.
Enhancing enforcement against rogue websites operated and registered overseas
(a)
Commencement of an action
(1)
In personam
The Attorney General may commence an in personam action against— (A)a registrant of a nondomestic domain name used by an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities; or (B)an owner or operator of an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities accessed through a nondomestic domain name. (2)
In rem
If through due diligence the Attorney General is unable to find a person described in subparagraphs (A) or (B) of paragraph (1), or no such person found has an address within a judicial district of the United States, the Attorney General may commence an in rem action against a nondomestic domain name used by an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities. (3)
Identification of entities
Any action commenced by the Attorney General under this section shall identify the entities which may be required to take actions pursuant to subsection (d) if an order issues pursuant to subsection (b). (b)
Orders of the court
(1)
In general
On application of the Attorney General following the commencement of an action under this section, the court may issue a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction, or an injunction, in accordance with rule 65 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, against the nondomestic domain name used by an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities, or against a registrant of such domain name, or the owner or operator of such Internet site dedicated to infringing activities, to cease and desist from undertaking any further activity as an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities, if— (A)the domain name is used within the United States to access such Internet site; and (B)the Internet site— (i)conducts business directed to residents of the United States; and (ii)harms holders of United States intellectual property rights. (2)
Determination by the court
For purposes of determining whether an Internet site conducts business directed to residents of the United States under paragraph (1)(B)(i), a court may consider, among other indicia, whether— (A)the Internet site is providing goods or services described in section 2(7) to users located in the United States; (B)there is evidence that the Internet site is not intended to provide— (i)such goods and services to users located in the United States; (ii)access to such goods and services to users located in the United States; and (iii)delivery of such goods and services to users located in the United States; (C)the Internet site has reasonable measures in place to prevent such goods and services from being accessed from or delivered to the United States; (D)the Internet site offers services obtained in the United States; and (E)any prices for goods and services are indicated in the currency of the United States. (c)
Notice and service of process
(1)
In general
Upon commencing an action under this section, the Attorney General shall send a notice of the alleged violation and intent to proceed under this Act to the registrant of the domain name of the Internet site— (A)at the postal and e-mail address appearing in the applicable publicly accessible database of registrations, if any and to the extent such addresses are reasonably available; (B)via the postal and e-mail address of the registrar, registry, or other domain name registration authority that registered or assigned the domain name, to the extent such addresses are reasonably available; and (C)in any other such form as the court finds necessary, including as may be required by Rule 4(f) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. (2)
Rule of construction
For purposes of this section, the actions described in this subsection shall constitute service of process. (3)
Other notice
Upon commencing an action under this section, the Attorney General shall also provide notice to entities identified in the complaint, or any amendments thereto, which may be required to take action pursuant to subsection (d). (d)
Required actions based on court orders
(1)
Service
A Federal law enforcement officer, with the prior approval of the court, may serve a copy of a court order issued pursuant to this section on similarly situated entities within each class described in paragraph (2), which have been identified in the complaint, or any amendments thereto, pursuant to subsection (a). Proof of service shall be filed with the court. (2)
Reasonable measures
After being served with a copy of an order pursuant to this subsection: (A)
Operators
(i)
In general
An operator of a nonauthoritative domain name system server shall take the least burdensome technically feasible and reasonable measures designed to prevent the domain name described in the order from resolving to that domain name’s Internet protocol address, except that— (I)such operator shall not be required— (aa)other than as directed under this subparagraph, to modify its network, software, systems, or facilities; (bb)to take any measures with respect to domain name lookups not performed by its own domain name server or domain name system servers located outside the United States; or (cc)to continue to prevent access to a domain name to which access has been effectively disable by other means; and (II)nothing in this subparagraph shall affect the limitation on the liability of such an operator under section 512 of title 17, United States Code. (ii)
Text of notice
The Attorney General shall prescribe the text of the notice displayed to users or customers of an operator taking an action pursuant to this subparagraph. Such text shall specify that the action is being taken pursuant to a court order obtained by the Attorney General. (B)
Financial transaction providers
A financial transaction provider shall take reasonable measures, as expeditiously as reasonable, designed to prevent, prohibit, or suspend its service from completing payment transactions involving customers located within the United States and the Internet site associated with the domain name set forth in the order. (C)
Internet advertising services
An Internet advertising service that contracts with the Internet site associated with the domain name set forth in the order to provide advertising to or for that site, or which knowingly serves advertising to or for such site, shall take technically feasible and reasonable measures, as expeditiously as reasonable, designed to— (i)prevent its service from providing advertisements to the Internet site associated with such domain name; or (ii)cease making available advertisements for that site, or paid or sponsored search results, links or other placements that provide access to the domain name. (D)
Information location tools
An service provider of an information location tool shall take technically feasible and reasonable measures, as expeditiously as possible, to— (i)remove or disable access to the Internet site associated with the domain name set forth in the order; or (ii)not serve a hypertext link to such Internet site. (3)
Communication with users
Except as provided under paragraph (2)(A)(ii), an entity taking an action described in this subsection shall determine whether and how to communicate such action to the entity's users or customers. (4)
Rule of construction
For purposes of an action commenced under this section, the obligations of an entity described in this subsection shall be limited to the actions set out in each paragraph or subparagraph applicable to such entity, and no order issued pursuant to this section shall impose any additional obligations on, or require additional actions by, such entity. (5)
Actions pursuant to court order
(A)
Immunity from suit
No cause of action shall lie in any Federal or State court or administrative agency against any entity receiving a court order issued under this subsection, or against any director, officer, employee, or agent thereof, for any act reasonably designed to comply with this subsection or reasonably arising from such order, other than in an action pursuant to subsection (e). (B)
Immunity from liability
Any entity receiving an order under this subsection, and any director, officer, employee, or agent thereof, shall not be liable to any party for any acts reasonably designed to comply with this subsection or reasonably arising from such order, other than in an action pursuant to subsection (e), and any actions taken by customers of such entity to circumvent any restriction on access to the Internet domain instituted pursuant to this subsection or any act, failure, or inability to restrict access to an Internet domain that is the subject of a court order issued pursuant to this subsection despite good faith efforts to do so by such entity shall not be used by any person in any claim or cause of action against such entity, other than in an action pursuant to subsection (e). (e)
Enforcement of orders
(1)
In general
In order to compel compliance with this section, the Attorney General may bring an action for injunctive relief against any party receiving a court order issued pursuant to this section that knowingly and willfully fails to comply with such order. (2)
Rule of construction
The authority granted the Attorney General under paragraph (1) shall be the sole legal remedy for enforcing the obligations under this section of any entity described in subsection (d). (3)
Defense
A defendant in an action under paragraph (1) may establish an affirmative defense by showing that the defendant does not have the technical means to comply with the subsection without incurring an unreasonable economic burden, or that the order is inconsistent with this Act. This showing shall serve as a defense only to the extent of such inability to comply or to the extent of such inconsistency. (f)
Modification or vacation of orders
(1)
In general
At any time after the issuance of an order under subsection (b), a motion to modify, suspend, or vacate the order may be filed by— (A)any person, or owner or operator of property, bound by the order; (B)any registrant of the domain name, or the owner or operator of the Internet site subject to the order; (C)any domain name registrar or registry that has registered or assigned the domain name of the Internet site subject to the order; or (D)any entity that has received a copy of an order pursuant to subsection (d) requiring such entity to take action prescribed in that subsection. (2)
Relief
Relief under this subsection shall be proper if the court finds that— (A)the Internet site associated with the domain name subject to the order is no longer, or never was, an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities; or (B)the interests of justice require that the order be modified, suspended, or vacated. (3)
Consideration
In making a relief determination under paragraph (2), a court may consider whether the domain name has expired or has been re-registered by a different party. (4)
Intervention
An entity identified pursuant to subsection (a) as an entity which may be required to take action pursuant to subsection (d) if an order issues pursuant to subsection (b) may intervene at any time in any action commenced under subsection (a), or in any action to modify, suspend, or vacate an order pursuant to this subsection. Failure to intervene in an action does not prohibit an entity notified of the action from subsequently seeking an order to modify, suspend, or terminate an order issued by the court under this Act. (g)
Related actions
The Attorney General, if alleging that an Internet site previously adjudicated to be an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities is accessible or has been reconstituted at a different domain name, may commence a related action under this section against the additional domain name in the same judicial district as the previous action.
4.
Eliminating the financial incentive to steal intellectual property online
(a)
Commencement of an action
(1)
In personam
A qualifying plaintiff may commence an in personam action against— (A)a registrant of a domain name used by an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities; or (B)an owner or operator of an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities accessed through a domain name. (2)
In rem
If through due diligence a qualifying plaintiff is unable to find a person described in subparagraphs (A) or (B) of paragraph (1), or no such person found has an address within a judicial district of the United States, the qualifying plaintiff may commence an in rem action against a domain name used by an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities. (3)
Identification of entities
Any action commenced by a qualifying plaintiff under this section shall identify the entities which may be required to take actions pursuant to subsection (d) if an order issues pursuant to subsection (b). (b)
Orders of the court
(1)
In general
On application of a qualifying plaintiff following the commencement of an action under this section, the court may issue a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction, or an injunction, in accordance with rule 65 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, against the domain name used by an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities, or against a registrant of such domain name, or the owner or operator of such Internet site dedicated to infringing activities, to cease and desist from undertaking any further activity as an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities, if— (A)the domain name is registered or assigned by a domain name registrar or domain name registry that located or doing business in the United States; or (B)(i)the domain name is used within the United States to access such Internet site; and (ii)the Internet site— (I)conducts business directed to residents of the United States; and (II)harms holders of United States intellectual property rights. (2)
Determination by the court
For purposes of determining whether an Internet site conducts business directed to residents of the United States under paragraph (1)(B)(ii)(I), a court may consider, among other indicia, whether— (A)the Internet site is providing goods or services described in section 2(7) to users located in the United States; (B)there is evidence that the Internet site is not intended to provide— (i)such goods and services to users located in the United States; (ii)access to such goods and services to users located in the United States; and (iii)delivery of such goods and services to users located in the United States; (C)the Internet site has reasonable measures in place to prevent such goods and services from being accessed from or delivered to the United States; (D)the Internet site offers services obtained in the United States; and (E)any prices for goods and services are indicated in the currency of the United States. (c)
Notice and service of process
(1)
In general
Upon commencing an action under this section, the qualifying plaintiff shall send a notice of the alleged violation and intent to proceed under this Act to the registrant of the domain name of the Internet site— (A)at the postal and e-mail address appearing in the applicable publicly accessible database of registrations, if any and to the extent such addresses are reasonably available; (B)via the postal and e-mail address of the registrar, registry, or other domain name registration authority that registered or assigned the domain name, to the extent such addresses are reasonably available; and (C)in any other such form as the court finds necessary, including as may be required by Rule 4(f) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. (2)
Rule of construction
For purposes of this section, the actions described in this subsection shall constitute service of process. (3)
Other notice
Upon commencing an action under this section, the qualifying plaintiff shall also provide notice to entities identified in the complaint, or any amendments thereto, which may be required to take action pursuant to subsection (d). (d)
Required actions based on court orders
(1)
Service
A qualifying plaintiff, with the prior approval of the court, may, serve a copy of a court order issued pursuant to this section on similarly situated entities within each class described in paragraph (2), which have been identified in the complaint, or any amendments thereto, pursuant to subsection (a). Proof of service shall be filed with the court. (2)
Reasonable measures
After being served with a copy of an order pursuant to this subsection: (A)
Financial transaction providers
A financial transaction provider shall take reasonable measures, as expeditiously as reasonable, designed to prevent, prohibit, or suspend its service from completing payment transactions involving customers located within the United States and the Internet site associated with the domain name set forth in the order. (B)
Internet advertising services
An Internet advertising service that contracts with the Internet site associated with the domain name set forth in the order to provide advertising to or for that site, or which knowingly serves advertising to or for such site, shall take technically feasible and reasonable measures, as expeditiously as reasonable, designed to— (i)prevent its service from providing advertisements to the Internet site associated with such domain name; or (ii)cease making available advertisements for that site, or paid or sponsored search results, links, or placements that provide access to the domain name. (3)
Communication with users
An entity taking an action described in this subsection shall determine how to communicate such action to the entity's users or customers. (4)
Rule of construction
For purposes of an action commenced under this section, the obligations of an entity described in this subsection shall be limited to the actions set out in each paragraph or subparagraph applicable to such entity, and no order issued pursuant to this section shall impose any additional obligations on, or require additional actions by, such entity. (5)
Actions pursuant to court order
(A)
Immunity from suit
No cause of action shall lie in any Federal or State court or administrative agency against any entity receiving a court order issued under this subsection, or against any director, officer, employee, or agent thereof, for any act reasonably designed to comply with this subsection or reasonably arising from such order, other than in an action pursuant to subsection (e). (B)
Immunity from liability
Any entity receiving an order under this subsection, and any director, officer, employee, or agent thereof, shall not be liable to any party for any acts reasonably designed to comply with this subsection or reasonably arising from such order, other than in an action pursuant to subsection (e), and any actions taken by customers of such entity to circumvent any restriction on access to the Internet domain instituted pursuant to this subsection or any act, failure, or inability to restrict access to an Internet domain that is the subject of a court order issued pursuant to this subsection despite good faith efforts to do so by such entity shall not be used by any person in any claim or cause of action against such entity, other than in an action pursuant to subsection (e). (e)
Enforcement of orders
(1)
In general
In order to compel compliance with this section, the qualifying plaintiff may bring an action for injunctive relief against any party receiving a court order issued pursuant to this section that knowingly and willfully fails to comply with such order. (2)
Rule of construction
The authority granted a qualifying plaintiff under paragraph (1) shall be the sole legal remedy for enforcing the obligations under this section of any entity described in subsection (d). (3)
Defense
A defendant in an action commenced under paragraph (1) may establish an affirmative defense by showing that the defendant does not have the technical means to comply with the subsection without incurring an unreasonable economic burden, or that the order is inconsistent with this Act. This showing shall serve as a defense only to the extent of such inability to comply or to the extent of such inconsistency. (f)
Modification or vacation of orders
(1)
In general
At any time after the issuance of an order under subsection (b), a motion to modify, suspend, or vacate the order may be filed by— (A)any person, or owner or operator of property, bound by the order; (B)any registrant of the domain name, or the owner or operator of the Internet site subject to the order; (C)any domain name registrar or registry that has registered or assigned the domain name of the Internet site subject to the order; or (D)any entity that has received a copy of an order pursuant to subsection (d) requiring such entity to take action prescribed in that subsection. (2)
Relief
Relief under this subsection shall be proper if the court finds that— (A)the Internet site associated with the domain name subject to the order is no longer, or never was, dedicated to infringing activities as defined in this Act; or (B)the interests of justice require that the order be modified, suspended, or vacated. (3)
Consideration
In making a relief determination under paragraph (2), a court may consider whether the domain name has expired or has been re-registered by a different party. (4)
Intervention
An entity identified pursuant to subsection (a) as an entity which may be required to take action pursuant to subsection (d) if an order issues pursuant to subsection (b) may intervene at any time in any action commenced under subsection (a), or in any action to modify, suspend, or vacate an order pursuant to this subsection. Failure to intervene in an action does not prohibit an entity notified of the action from subsequently seeking an order to modify, suspend, or terminate an order issued by the court under this Act. (g)
Related actions
A qualifying plaintiff, if alleging that an Internet site previously adjudicated to be an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities is accessible or has been reconstituted at a different domain name, may commence a related action under this section against the additional domain name in the same judicial district as the previous action.
5.
Voluntary action against websites stealing American intellectual property
(a)
In general
No financial transaction provider or Internet advertising service shall be liable for damages to any person for voluntarily taking any action described in section 3(d) or 4(d) with regard to an Internet site if the entity acting in good faith and based on credible evidence has a reasonable belief that the Internet site is an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities. (b)
Internet sites engaged in infringing activities that endanger the public health
(1)
Refusal of service
A domain name registry, domain name registrar, financial transaction provider, information location tool, or Internet advertising service, acting in good faith and based on credible evidence, may stop providing or refuse to provide services to an infringing Internet site that endangers the public health. (2)
Immunity from liability
An entity described in paragraph (1), including its directors, officers, employees, or agents, that ceases or refused to provide services under paragraph (1) shall not be liable to any party under any Federal or State law for such action. (3)
Definitions
For purposes of this subsection— (A)the term adulterated has the same meaning as in section 501 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 351); (B)an infringing Internet site that endangers the public health means— (i)an Internet site dedicated to infringing activities for which the counterfeit products that it offers, sells, dispenses, or distributes are controlled or non-controlled prescription medication; or (ii)an Internet site that has no significant use other than, or is designed, operated, or marketed by its operator or persons operating in concert with the operator, and facts or circumstances suggest is used, primarily as a means for— (I)offering, selling, dispensing, or distributing any controlled or non-controlled prescription medication, and does so regularly without a valid prescription; or (II)offering, selling, dispensing, or distributing any controlled or non-controlled prescription medication, and does so regularly for medication that is adulterated or misbranded; (C)the term misbranded has the same meaning as in section 502 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 352); and (D)the term valid prescription has the same meaning as in section 309(e)(2)(A) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 829(e)(2)(A)).
6.
Savings clauses
(a)
Rule of construction relating to civil and criminal remedies
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit or expand civil or criminal remedies available to any person (including the United States) for infringing activities on the Internet pursuant to any other Federal or State law. (b)
Rule of construction relating to vicarious or contributory liability
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to enlarge or diminish vicarious or contributory liability for any cause of action available under the Lanham Act or title 17, United States Code, including any limitations on liability under section 512 of such title 17, or to create an obligation to take action pursuant to section 5 of this Act. (c)
Relationship with section 512 of title 17
Nothing in this Act, no identification of entities in section 3(a) or 4(a), no notice provided pursuant to section 3(c) or 4(c), no order issued pursuant to sections 3(b) or 4(b), and no order issued or served pursuant to sections 3(d) or 4(d), shall serve as a basis for determining the application of section 512 of title 17, United States Code.
7.
Guidelines and studies
(a)
Guidelines
The Attorney General shall— (1)publish procedures developed in consultation with other relevant law enforcement agencies, including the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to receive information from the public about Internet sites dedicated to infringing activities; and (2)develop a deconfliction process in consultation with other law enforcement agencies, including the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to coordinate enforcement activities brought under this Act. (b)
Reports
(1)
Report on effectiveness of certain measures
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator, shall conduct a study and report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives on the following: (A)An assessment of the effects, if any, of the implementation of section 3(d)(2)(A) on the accessibility of Internet sites dedicated to infringing activity. (B)An assessment of the effects, if any, of the implementation of section 3(d)(2)(A) on the deployment, security, and reliability of the domain name system and associated Internet processes, including Domain Name System Security Extensions. (C)Recommendations, if any, for modifying or amending this Act to increase effectiveness or ameliorate any unintended effects of section 3(d)(2)(A). (2)
Report on overall effectiveness
The Register of Copyrights shall, in consultation with the appropriate departments and agencies of the United States and other stakeholders— (A)conduct a study on— (i)the enforcement and effectiveness of this Act; (ii)the burden of carrying out the requirements of this Act, if any, on intermediaries; (iii)the need for cost reimbursement for intermediaries for carrying out the requirements of this Act; and (iv)the need to modify or amend this Act to apply to emerging technologies; and (B)not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, submit a report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives on— (i)the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A); and (ii)any recommendations that the Register may have as a result of the study. (3)
Annual oversight report
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter, the Attorney General shall report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives the following information with respect to the preceding year: (A)Each instance in which an action was commenced under section 3(a)(1) or 3(a)(2), and each instance in which an action was commenced by the Attorney General under section 4(a)(1) or 4(a)(2), including the name of any party against whom the action was brought. (B)Each instance in which a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction or injunction was issued pursuant to section 3(b)(1), and each instance in which a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction or injunction was issued pursuant to section 4(b)(1) in an action commenced by the Attorney General, including the name of any party against whom the order or injunction was issued. (C)Each instance in which an action commenced under section 3(a)(1) or 3(a)(2), or an action commenced by the Attorney General under section 4(a)(1) or 4(a)(2), was concluded without the issuance of a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction or injunction, including the reason for the conclusion of the action. (D)Each proof of service filed with the court pursuant to section 3(d)(1), or filed pursuant to section 4(d)(1) in an action commenced by the Attorney General. (E)Each action for injunctive relief brought pursuant to section 3(e), or brought pursuant to section 4(e) in an action commenced by the Attorney General, including the name of any party against whom the action for relief was brought. (F)Each motion granted by a court to modify, suspend or vacate an order that was filed under section 3(f)(1), or filed under section 4(f)(1) in an action commenced by the Attorney General, including the relief obtained. (G)Each related action commenced pursuant to section 3(g), or commenced by the Attorney General pursuant to section 4(g), including the name of any party against whom an action was commenced. (4)
GAO report on private actions
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter, the Comptroller General shall report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representative each instance in the previous year in which an action was commenced under sections 4(a)(1) or 4(a)(2) by a qualifying plaintiff that is not the Attorney General, including the names of any parties to each such action.
8.
Preventing the importation of counterfeit products and infringing devices
Notwithstanding section 1905 of title 18, United States Code— (1)if United States Customs and Border Protection suspects a product of being imported or exported in violation of section 42 of the Lanham Act, and subject to any applicable bonding requirements, the Secretary of Homeland Security is authorized to share information on, and unredacted samples of, products and their packaging and labels, or photos of such products, packaging and labels, with the rightholders of the trademark suspected of being copied or simulated, for purposes of determining whether the products are prohibited from importation pursuant to such section; and (2)upon seizure of material by United States Customs and Border Protection imported in violation of subsection (a)(2) or subsection (b) of section 1201 of title 17, United States Code, the Secretary of Homeland Security is authorized to share information about, and provide samples to affected parties, subject to any applicable bonding requirements, as to the seizure of material designed to circumvent technological measures or protection afforded by a technological measure that controls access to or protects the owner’s work protected by copyright under such title.
May 26, 2011 Reported with an amendment