FOIST turns innocent IP infringement into "willful infringement" if its done with a domain name with inaccurate contact information. What can we expect if this becomes law? ] * Under current law, the author of an anonymous web ] log who innocently quotes a portion of a news article ] that a judge later decides to be too long to qualify for ] "fair use" protection would be considered an "innocent ] infringer" and subject to reduced statutory damages. ] Under H.R. 3754, the same "blogger" would face damages up ] to $150,000 and potential criminal liability. ] ] ] These changes would chill speech online. (HR 3754 was attached to HR 3632 as an amendment. The amended bill passed the house on the 21st.) |