Attorney General Asks Americans to Report IP Violations
10 October 2012
Attorney General Eric Holder has asked Americans to report suspected violations of intellectual property rights to the government.
“It’s clear that government won’t be able to win this fight – and keep pace with today’s criminals – alone,” he said at the launch of the campaign. “Our efforts will always depend not only on law enforcement activity and industry partnerships, but also on robust public engagement – and the vigilance of the American people.”
Holder called the work that state and local law enforcement agencies do to uncover and address IP crimes “essential,” noting that the Justice Department has awarded nearly US$11 million to help states and local jurisdictions fight intellectual property theft and provide training to investigators, prosecutors, and advocates. But, Holder said, the assistance of individual Americans is essential.
As part of the campaign, the Justice Deparment unveiled a series of television, radio, and internet messages designed to help get the word out about the dangers of buying counterfeit goods, and the seriousness of intellectual property theft.
“These public service announcements will raise awareness about the ways in which members of the public can help us to more effectively prevent and combat these crimes, protect potential victims, and bring criminals to justice,” said Holder. “And, with holiday shopping season now upon us, this information could hardly be hitting the airwaves at a more appropriate time.”
Holder said that suspected IP crimes can be reported to any of three websites: cybercrime.gov, fbi.gov, or iprcenter.gov.
“The public’s proactive attention to these issues can help us to disrupt the sale of illegal goods; to prosecute the individuals, gangs, and international criminal organizations that profit from these activities; and to stop those who would exploit the ingenuity of others for monetary gain,” Holder said.
