In October 2008, the GIPC-sponsored Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act, or PRO-IP Act, was signed into law (PL 110-403). The PRO-IP Act authorized updated legal authorities and additional resources to help the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate and prosecute intellectual property (IP) crimes. The law also established the first U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC) tasked with facilitating greater cooperation among executive agencies and developing a comprehensive National Strategy to advance IP enforcement and promotion in the U.S. and abroad.

Congress’ overwhelming approval of this bipartisan legislation was an important step toward improving the protection and enforcement of IP rights, which is essential to ensuring that America’s innovative and creative industries can continue to create jobs, drive economic growth, and cross new research frontiers that will lead to solutions for global challenges.

Over the past year the GIPC worked with Congress to secure funding for programs and personnel authorized by the PRO-IP Act, including $8 million for new FBI agents, $2 million for DOJ prosecutorial activities, and $20 million for state/local IP enforcement grants.

Continued and increased funding of the PRO-IP Act, as well as ensuring the new IP Enforcement Coordinator has the authority, staff and resources to be successful—and develops and implements the United States’ first-ever National IP Strategy—are top priorities of the GIPC in 2010.