Policy

Federal Government Seized 1,700 Internet Domains Over Intellectual Property

Plenty of due process, we're sure

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Federal authorities said today that, since June 2010, they have seized more than 1,700 domains that allegedly breached intellectual property rights.

Seized under a program known as "Operation in Our Sites," the domains hosted material the authorities said illegally streamed sporting events; hawked counterfeit drugs, clothes, and accessories like handbags; and unlawfully allowed the downloading of copyrighted movies and music.

The figures were buried in the White House's 2013 "Joint Strategic Plan on Intellectual Property Enforcement," and they represent about 50 seizures a month following the operation's adoption three years ago.