“Intellectual property is the backbone of the U.S. technology economy. The ESA applauds Congress and the Bush Administration for taking critical steps that support job growth and investment in the video game industry,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the ESA, the U.S. trade association representing computer and video game publishers. “In uncertain economic times, the video game industry continues to show strength. Our year-to-date U.S. sales are up over 30 percent from last year. Effective enforcement of IP laws helps protect this engine of economic growth. More legitimate game sales mean more game-related jobs up and down the value chain.”

The Act provides specific directives for U.S. law enforcement to address intellectual property crimes on a number of fronts. The Act directs the U.S. Attorney General to develop and implement a long-range plan targeting international crime syndicates. The Act also provides additional funding to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Justice to bolster programs targeting computer crime and hacking.

“Piracy is an enormously profitable undertaking for criminal organizations. Disabling those organizations requires a coordinated and cross-border approach to enforcement, which this legislation clearly promotes,” Gallagher continued. “Ultimately, this law provides for greater responsibility and accountability within the White House and in the multiple agencies responsible for advancing IP protection.”