Today, the United States Trade Representative put Canada on the U.S. "Priority Watch List" for failing to properly protect and enforce IP laws. This puts U.S.' northern neighbor on the list with 11 other countries, including China, India, Russia and Thailand. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) approved of this decision, as it follows the recommendations made by it and other entertainment industries.

"Putting Canada on the 'Priority Watch List' is a signal of the Obama Administration's commitment to strengthening global intellectual property protection, and its intent to address this issue firmly with the Canadian government," said Michael D. Gallagher, CEO of the ESA, which represents U.S. computer and video game publishers. "Canada's weak laws and enforcement practices foster game piracy in the Canadian market and pave the way for unlawful imports into the U.S."

The ESA is requesting that Canada create laws that would make devices like mod chips illegal, incentivize ISPs to work with copyright owners, give customs officials authority to seize pirate products at the border and prioritize the legal prosecution of IP crimes. "Canada contributes significantly to the development of today's leading games -- creating thousands of high-paying jobs along the way," noted Gallagher. "We are eager to see Canada become a full partner in protecting these products on the way to market."

Gallagher delivered a keynote speech today to the Institute for Policy Innovation's Fourth Annual World Intellectual Property Day Forum in Washington D.C., where the Republican lauded the Obama Administration for prioritizing global trade protections. "The steps this Administration takes to promote intellectual property protection and expand E-commerce drive innovation and contribute to job growth. They benefit small to medium sized businesses as well as larger enterprises, and contribute directly to aiding our economic recovery."