Washington, DC, Jun 2, 2006 -

U.S. Representative John Carter (TX-31) ), a member of the Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, was successful in including $5,000,000 for programs to combat intellectual property piracy in the Foreign Operations Appropriations bill. This funding will support programs dedicated to combating intellectual property piracy abroad at the State Department International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (INCLE).

“Our nation’s ideas have allowed us to be the world’s single largest creator, producer, and exporter of copyrighted materials. I am proud to have secured this funding that will allow the State Department to heighten efforts to fight against the criminal act of intellectual property piracy. I will continue to fight to protect our nation’s ideas and future,” Congressman Carter said.

More specifically, these funds will be used for equipment and training of foreign law enforcement officials - police, prosecutors and judges, and to provide assistance, including training, in complying with foreign countries' obligations under international copyright and other intellectual property treaties and agreements such as the Berne Convention and the World Trade Organization's Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs).

Congressman Carter is also an active member of the Congressional International Anti-Piracy Caucus.