Congress and President Bush enacted a law that widens the scope of intellectual property law, a move that has drawn praise from the Entertainment Software Association.

ESA boss Michael Gallagher said, "Effective enforcement of IP laws helps protect this engine of economic growth. More legitimate game sales mean more game-related jobs up and down the value chain.”

The legislation, titled "Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2008," amends key factors of current federal IP laws, and also establishes the Office of the United States Intellectual Property Enforcement Representative (IP Enforcement Representative).

The IP Enforcement Representative, to be appointed by the president, will be responsible for formulating a Joint Strategic Plan to combat counterfeiting and piracy.

The legislation also includes measures to increase interagency coordination between federal organizations to help combat counterfeiting and piracy.

In addition, the act intends to add funding for anti-piracy and anti-computer hacking initiatives through grants.

On the international level, the act directs the Attorney General to "deploy five additional Intellectual Property Law Enforcement Coordinators in foreign countries to protect the intellectual property rights of U.S. citizens."

The Department of Justice will also provide additional anti-piracy and anti-counterfeiting training and assistance for foreign governments.

According to govtrack.us, the legislation, sponsored by Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), will cost $2 per American over the 2009-2013 period.