News

The IPR Center Report

Partners in Action

Volume 2, No. 1 • March 2009

Combating Game Piracy in Mexico

In 2004, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) established an anti-piracy program in Mexico to increase enforcement activity against game piracy. Working with local counsel and representatives of its member companies, the program has focused on importers, producers and vendors of pirated games.

Over the past four years, ESA has instigated law enforcement raids that have seized hundreds of thousands of counterfeit game software at notorious pirate markets in Guadalajara and Mexico City, such as Tepito, Pericoapa and Plaza Meave. The presence of pirated entertainment software makes it extremely difficult for legitimate game retailers to earn a profit.

“Mexico is an important market for ESA members due to the enormous popularity of entertainment software,” said Ric Hirsch, senior vice president of intellectual property enforcement at ESA.

“Unfortunately, Mexico also has an alarmingly high rate of piracy that by some estimates exceeds 85 percent,” he said. “We are very grateful for the efforts of law enforcement in attacking the sources of pirate video games circulating in Mexico’s markets.”

ESA serves the business and public affairs needs of U.S. companies publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers and the Internet. ESA services include a global anti-piracy program, business and consumer research, federal and state government relations, and First Amendment and intellectual property protection efforts.

For more information, visit www.theESA.com.