Intellectual Property News

Oxford, GA Man Indicted For Trafficking in Illicit Software

Atlanta, GA - JUSTIN E. HARRISON, 25, of Oxford, Georgia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of Trafficking in Illicit Certificates of Authenticity associated with copyrighted computer software. This is the first case charged using a recently enacted federal statute intended to protect intellectual property. HARRISON is scheduled for an initial appearance, bond hearing and arraignment sometime next week.

"This case illustrates the illicit trade in intellectual property that is unfortunately becoming rampant worldwide and in our own community," United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said. "This is the first prosecution under a new federal statute that criminalizes trafficking in illicit labels. Congress has provided another valuable tool to protect the intellectual property of our nation's businesses, which has become one of our country's most valuable resources."

According to United States Attorney Nahmias, the charges and other information presented in court: HARRISON allegedly dealt in unauthorized computer software, selling not only illegally made copies of the software itself, but also Certificates of Authenticity intended to vouch for their authenticity. In particular, HARRISON is charged with trafficking in illicit Certificates of Authenticity intended to be used with Microsoft Windows XP Professional and Windows 2000 Professional operating system software.

The indictment charges four counts of trafficking in illicit labels. The charges each carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant United States Attorneys Randy S. Chartash and Lawrence R. Sommerfeld are prosecuting the case.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove a defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

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	Did You Know?
	There are common law rights Federal registration is not required to establish rights in a trademark. Common law rights arise from actual use of a mark. Generally, the first to either use a mark in commerce or file an intent to use application with the Patent and Trademark Office has the ultimate right to use and registration. However, there are many benefits of federal trademark registration.