It appears that some big names are finally stepping up to challenge the rather stupidly sweeping bill (Induce Act) proposed by the Recording Industry Assn. of America and the Motion Picture Assn. of America. In this letter (PDF) more than 40 companies and organisations such as CNET Networks, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Google, Intel, Sun Microsystems and Yahoo finally call for the brakes to be put on such a sweeping bill until there has been time for careful scrutiny in public hearings. And while we're on the backs of the MPAA they have just had some of their warning shots returned. It appears that they use search strings to scan the Internet for infringers of their copyrights and automatically send of round after round of cease and desist letters. Most people give up rather than fight against such a large organisation but luckily for us they occasionally target the wrong people. This time its Linux Australia who aren't amused and seem willing to do something about it. You can read a little about it here. Apparently there is a small clause in the DMCA: 512(f), which provides that anyone who knowingly misrepresents material as infringing "shall be liable for any damages, including costs and attorneys' fees, incurred by the alleged infringer." Good luck Linux Australia :)