Journal: U.S. Feds Escalate Domain Name Seizures

BNA Patent Trademark & Copyright Journal reports: "NEW YORK--Seizure warrants have been executed against 10 domain names that hosted websites containing hyperlinks to sources of allegedly unlawful streaming video of copyrighted live sports telecasts and pay-per-view events, federal prosecutors and customs authorities announced Feb. 2 (United States v. HQ-Streams.com, S.D.N.Y., No. 11 MAG 262, affidavit unsealed 2/2/11).

"In an affidavit unsealed Feb. 2 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent alleged that the 10 websites provided access to illegal telecasts of copyrighted professional football, basketball, hockey, wrestling, and ultimate fighting events."

This action apparently marks escalation of the Feds' domain name seizures from sites allegedly hosting "pirated" content to those linking such sites.