ESA applauds formation of US IP task force
Attorney General's support will create environment for growth, says trade group
The Entertainment Software Association has praised the Attorney General on his decision to back a new Department of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property.
The move, said the ESA's president and CEO Michael Gallagher, would benefit the games industry in numerous ways, including helping to protect people's jobs. And by protecting creative works, it would also ensure the quality of games was higher for consumers.
"We applaud the Justice Department for its commitment to protecting intellectual property and commend the Attorney General for his leadership in establishing the new Intellectual Property Task Force," said Gallagher.
"The Attorney General's support creates an environment for growth - both economically and creatively - that generates innovative computer and video games for enthusiasts and helps protect the jobs of countless contributors who bring these products to market.
"Intellectual property is the lifeblood and backbone of entertainment software. Consumers benefit with the lower cost, high-quality and more diverse title offerings that are made possible by strong measures protecting the creative works of our industry’s artists."
The task force, which will be chaired by the deputy Attorney General, will concentrate its efforts on combating intellectual property crime through close coordination with state, local and international law enforcement officials.
It will also work on policy development, to address the legal issues created by constantly evolving technology.
"Americans produce more technologies, more brands, more creative works and more innovation than any other nation on Earth," said Victoria Espinel, the US intellectual property enforcement coordinator.
"President Obama is committed to ensuring that the value created by American workers and enjoyed by communities around the world is protected. The Justice Department’s new task force will play a critical role in supporting the Administration's ongoing efforts to protect American intellectual property and the millions of jobs that depend on it."