From time to time word has leaked out about the negotiations on ACTA, the European, US, and Japanese joint proposal on an international copyright and patent agreement. If you think agreement is a great idea, that makes sense. The problem is that its terms will apparently extend the reach of restrictions in ways that reflect special interests and totally ignore the development of technology's effect on business models in ways which foster innovation--the whole point of patents and copyright.
Till now, our government has been cosy about the terms of its draft agreement. But somebody squealed and the terms are spelled out at Wikileaks link here. Go read. Fortunately, nothing is likely to happen till after the new administration has taken over.