Questions for DoJ IP Attorneys Asked and Answered
Date: November 25, 2003Source: Computer Crime Research Center
... methods used on software packaging (like holograms, watermarks, and edge-to-edge printing) have made the task of manufacturing counterfeits more difficult. In fact, some counterfeiters appear to have given up trying to beat the software makers at the authentication game, and instead now simply try to steal genuine packaging materials to package their counterfeit discs.
Have these copy-protection or authentication features eliminated infringement and counterfeiting? No, but they have had a deterrent effect.
As a Canadian I am curious as to the co-operation you receive (if any) from agencies outside the US? Specifically Canada but also internationally in general.
Great question. For too long, people have believed that geographic boundaries shield them from the consequences of piracy. Over the past few years, we have been working to change that belief. The Department recognizes that in order to deal with piracy effectively, we must respond globally. This is true regarding both online piracy and traditional hard goods piracy cases.
CCIPS has made international enforcement a priority. We have a number of tools, both formal and informal, for working internationally, including Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty Requests and Letters Rogatory. We are also able to employ the network of legal attaches stationed at U.S. Embassies around the world to help strengthen relationships with our foreign law enforcement counterparts and help build strong international cases. In general, international cooperation on intellectual property cases is becoming more effective each year. We do work on intellectual property cases with Canada and will continue to do so in the future. We are also currently working on cases in over a half a dozen other foreign nations. Over the past two years we have worked closely with investigators and prosecutors overseas in order to strengthen our own domestic prosecutions as well as support foreign prosecutions. We have traveled overseas to assist our foreign counter-parts and have welcomed foreign agents to the U.S. to learn more about evidence we might have to support their prosecutions.
Our office is currently working with the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia on the extradition from Australia of Hew Raymond Griffiths, a.k.a. bandido, the former leader of various warez groups, including DrinkOrDie and RiSC. In March 2003, a Federal Grand Jury sitting in the Eastern District of Virginia indicted Griffiths on charges of conspiracy to violate U.S. copyright laws; his extradition is being sought to face these charges. This is the first extradition of a foreign national for online copyright piracy.
Although working internationally is time and resource intensive, it is essential to effective enforcement of intellectual property rights, and we are committed to addressing piracy wherever it occurs.
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