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For Immediate Release Contacts: Amy Weiss March 25, 2004 Jonathan Lamy Amanda Collins 202-775-0101
RIAA Applauds Leahy-Hatch Bill Empowering Justice Department
To Bring Civil Copyright Infringement Cases[U.S. Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), the Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee respectively, this afternoon introduced legislation that would allow the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to bring civil copyright infringement cases. Under current law, the Justice Department can only bring criminal copyright cases, which necessarily includes criminal penalties such as fines and prison time and a criminal record. The Leahy-Hatch proposal would allow for federal civil claims with damages and restitution as the penalty without a criminal penalty or record. The introduction of this legislation follows the recent announcement by the FBI and the RIAA of a new voluntary, government-sanctioned anti-piracy seal and warning that can be included on various types of copyrighted music.]
Comment of Mitch Bainwol, Chairman and CEO, RIAA
On the Leahy-Hatch legislation:âI commend Senators Leahy and Hatch for this common sense proposal. The music community appreciates their tremendous leadership.
âAs the recent announcement of the FBIâs new anti-piracy warning attests, copyright infringement is a serious crime damaging the thousands of hardworking artists, songwriters and everyone else who help bring music to the public. This legislation provides federal prosecutors with the flexibility and discretion to bring copyright infringement cases that best correspond to the nature of the crime.
âDespite some encouraging signs, piracy continues to plague the music community. Thereâs an essential role for education, enforcement by copyright owners, and federal prosecutions of the worst offenders.â
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[The Recording Industry Association of America is the trade group that represents the U.S. recording industry. Its mission is to foster a business and legal climate that supports and promotes our members' creative and financial vitality. Its members are the record companies that comprise the most vibrant national music industry in the world. RIAAÂ members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 90% of all legitimate sound recordings produced and sold in the United States. In support of this mission, the RIAA works to protect intellectual property rights worldwide and the First Amendment rights of artists; conduct consumer industry and technical research; and monitor and review - - state and federal laws, regulations and policies. The RIAAÂ also certifies GoldÂ, PlatinumÂ, Multi-Platinumâ, and Diamond sales awards, Los Premios De Oro y Platinoâ, an award celebrating Latin music sales.]
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