Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood to Enforce Intellectual Property Laws Violated by Cyber Thieves
In Mississippi, the same computer software that has been used to hunt down child predators on the internet is now about to be used to target those who illegally download copyrighted content like music and movies from the internet. Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood has stated that he feels the state needs to get ahead of counterfeiters and pirates if they are going to be able to make a difference in this growing crime trend.
The office currently uses software called "Operation Fairplay" to track downloaded child pornography and keep an eye on child predators. This spring they expect to begin using a modified version of the software that will target illegal downloads of music, movies, software, and other copyrighted electronic information. Hood warns Mississippi resident that anyone caught downloading more than $100 worth of copyrighted materials can be prosecuted for a felony. He asks parents to take a part in making sure their kids are aware of the new crackdown.
Hood also announce that Mississippi will be using the software as part of the nation's first statewide task force aimed at stopping intellectual property theft. The task force will be known as" "Operation Knock Off the Knock-Offs.'' Hood hopes it will serve as a model for other states. It is believed that counterfeiting and pirating costs the US economy $250 billion annually. Read more about the Mississippi anti-pirating task force at Mississippi Attorney General to Target Intellectual Property Theft.
If you have a copyright or intellectual property matter, please contact Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. for legal counsel.
