-------- Original Message --------
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:
“I commend Senators Leahy and Hatch for this common sense proposal. The
music community appreciates their tremendous leadership.
“As the recent announcement of the FBI’s 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.
“Despite some encouraging signs, piracy continues to plague the music
community. There’s an essential role for education, enforcement by
copyright owners, and federal prosecutions of the worst offenders.”
# # # # #
[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. RIAA® 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 RIAA® also certifies Gold®, Platinum®,
Multi-Platinum™, and Diamond sales awards, Los Premios De Oro y Platino™,
an award celebrating Latin music sales.]
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