The GIPC fully supported the PRO-IP Act and is working with Congress to secure full funding for this authorization. In 2008, the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2007, or PRO-IP Act, Senate Bill 3325, was signed into law. The act provides for updated legal authorities and better coordination among agencies to combat counterfeiting and piracy, and it also authorizes additional resources at the Department of Justice to help investigate and prosecute intellectual property (IP) crimes and increases protection for IP by raising penalties for infringement. The law also established the first U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC) to develop a cohesive agencywide strategy to ensure that IP enforcement is a top government priority.

The PRO-IP Act ensures that America’s innovation industries continue creating jobs and crossing new research frontiers that will lead to solutions for global challenges. Congress’ overwhelming approval of this bipartisan, authorizing legislation was an important step toward better protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights.

Although Congress will be forced to make difficult decisions related to funding levels for federal programs, the GIPC believes that the economic benefits obtained from enhanced enforcement will more than offset the legislation’s cost. Congress should make it a top priority to fully fund the authorizations contained in the law and provide adequate oversight of the administration’s implementation and enforcement. The GIPC has made it a priority to work with the Senate and House Appropriations Committees to ensure that all elements of the PRO-IP Act are adequately funded.