Europe's plan to hunt down pirates

The EU is planning a crackdown on counterfeiting and pirating of goods, with penalties including a minimum four year prison term.

Brussels is looking to leapfrog the divergent legislation of its member states, Reuters reports, and has drafted legislation calling for offenders to be hit with fines of at least €100,000 to €300,000 as well as four years doing Euro porridge. Fines would be jacked higher if there is a health and safety element.

Pirates could also face banishment from commercial activities. Naturally, dodgy goods would be confiscated and destroyed

Significantly, the draft, due to be presented today, does not cover individuals who download content form the internet for private use, according to Reuters.&reg