New White House plan increases FBI anti-piracy force
Yesterday, the White House announced its new Joint Strategic Plan on Intellectual Property Enforcement. In the plan, Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator Victoria Espinel describes an initiative to increase FBI resources devoted to investigating and curbing piracy of films, games, and other materials.
In addition to the five agents doing full-time IP work at the FBI's Intellectual Property Rights Unit, "by the end of FY 2010, the FBI intends to employ over 50 Special Agents exclusively devoted to pursuing intellectual property investigations operating in field offices throughout the country and four enhanced intellectual property squads."
ESA president Michael Gallagher spoke in support of the plan in a statement released yesterday. "We deeply appreciate the efforts of Vice President Biden and Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator Espinel and their leadership and vision in this critical area," Gallagher said. "We also applaud the numerous federal departments and agencies that are committed to protecting intellectual property rights, here and in foreign markets - both of which are critical to our industry's continuing growth and ability to deliver innovative entertainment experiences."
