International Protection and Enforcement Act is Good for Industry Exports

Washington, DC - In response to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus and Senator Orrin Hatch’s introduction of legislation strengthening trading partners’ resolve to crack down on game piracy and bolster the international market for video games, Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), released the following statement:

“This is smart legislation that goes to the heart of many of our international piracy problems. It provides a path forward for countries to work their way off of the Priority Watch List, while developing more effective ways to also protect products of their own artists’ and industries’ creation. High piracy in export markets adversely impacts sales and removes incentives for further market expansion. We are deeply appreciative of the efforts of USTR, the U.S. Administration and Congress in helping to protect our products internationally, and this legislation will make their actions even more effective.”

The Entertainment Software Association is the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of companies publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet. The ESA offers services to interactive entertainment software publishers including a global anti-piracy program, owning the E3 Media & Business Summit, business and consumer research, federal and state government relations, First Amendment and intellectual property protection efforts. For more information, please visit www.theESA.com.