Gonzales Pushing for Sweeping IP Law Changes

US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales is asking the US Congress to pass new intellectual property legislation that would stiffen penalties as well as criminalizing "attempted piracy."

Called the Intellectual Property Protection Act of 2007, the bill has several key provisions that aim to change how piracy is prosecuted. As mentioned previously, one change is the go-ahead for prosecutors to charge somebody who intends to commit piracy but does not complete the act.

Even more serious is the threat of a life term in prison for some types of piracy. Those using pirated software that "recklessly causes or attempts to cause death" could be sentenced to life imprisonment. Additionally, the sentence for counterfeiting that results in serious bodily injury will be raised from 10 to 20 years.

Repeat offenders will be subject to stiffer penalties, the Justice Department said.

Investigators will be able to more easily wiretap suspected pirates or seize computers involved in their investigations.

While it is not immediately clear whether the legislation has the support of Congress, traditionally Democrats have been more aligned with Hollywood interests than Republicans. The bill also has the support of the Bush Administration itself.

A similar bill was put forward last year by Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), however it never received enough support to move out of committee.