PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jul 24, 2007
Intellectual Property Enhanced Criminal Enforcement Act of 2007 - Makes copyright registration requirements applicable to only civil (not criminal) copyright infringement actions.
Authorizes the court, in civil copyright infringement actions, to: (1) order the impounding of records documenting the manufacture, sale, or receipt of items; and (2) determine that parts of a compilation or derivative work constitute separate works in assessing statutory damages.
Establishes criminal violations for any attempt or conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement, with the same penalties as prescribed for the offense.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Deems the unauthorized importation or exportation of copies or phonorecords to be an infringement of the exclusive right to distribute, in certain circumstances.
Includes within the definition of "traffic in," for copyright infringement purposes, to import, export, or possess with intent to transport, transfer, or otherwise dispose of.
Increases the penalties for criminal copyright offenses, including: (1) criminal copyright infringement; (2) unauthorized recording of a motion picture; and (3) trafficking in counterfeit goods or services.
Provides for forfeiture of any property constituting or derived from proceeds of civil copyright infringement. Requires the court to order restitution for victims of criminal copyright infringement.
Directs the Attorney General to: (1) create an operational unit of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to assist in the investigation and coordination of intellectual property crimes; (2) implement a program to train FBI agents in the investigation and prosecution of such crimes; (3) assign federal prosecutors to Department of Justice (DOJ) offices in Hong Kong and Budapest to coordinate international enforcement of intellectual property laws; and (4) create a task force to implement a plan to investigate and prosecute international organized crime syndicates involved in theft of intellectual property.
Authorizes additional funding through FY2011 to investigate and prosecute criminal activity involving computers.
People & committees
Rep. Chabot, Steve [R-OH-1] · R–OH
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 14, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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