US copyright bill proposes new powers against overseas piracy sites
A September proposal would let rights holders seek court orders to block certain foreign piracy sites. For creative businesses with US audiences, the distinction between a bill and a law matters.
Development: 14 September 2026. Check the original source for the latest guidance.
Photo: WBMUL / Envato. Illustrative stock photography.
What has actually happened
Representative Darrell Issa introduced H.R. 10364, the American Copyright Protection Act of 2026, on 14 September. The official record shows referral to the House Judiciary Committee. His office publicised the proposal on 23 September; that later press-release date is separate from the bill's introduction.
The bill would create a court process for identifying foreign piracy sites and obtaining orders to block access through specified service providers. Its text includes procedures for an accused operator to challenge a declaration or blocking order. These are proposed powers, not a new enforcement route already available under this bill.
US Government Publishing Office: H.R. 10364 introduced bill (opens in a new tab) · US Government Publishing Office: official H.R. 10364 status record (opens in a new tab)
Why a UK creative business might care
Tenderspot analysis: the issue matters most where a project produces content with an audience or distribution agreement in the United States. Producers, photographers, animators and other rights holders may have an interest in how unauthorised distribution is handled. The commercial effect would depend on the final law, its scope and its practical use.
For commissioned work, ownership and licensing still determine who controls the rights and who is responsible for enforcement. A political announcement about copyright should not be treated as a promise that a particular production will earn more, or that a client can rely on a remedy that has not become law.
The next development to watch
Watch the bill's official record for further legislative action and any revised text. The balance between protecting creators and avoiding interference with legitimate services is part of the policy debate. This report describes a US proposal; it does not announce a change to UK copyright rules or advise on a particular dispute.
US Government Publishing Office: official H.R. 10364 status record (opens in a new tab)
Based on official US legislative records. The possible commercial implications are Tenderspot analysis, not a prediction of passage or legal advice.
Published 5 November 2026. Checked 5 November 2026. Article dates are separate from the dates of events and source data.
