By Maricel Estavillo for Intellectual Property Watch

The United States government has announced the release of more than $2.4 million in grants to 13 US jurisdictions for stronger enforcement of intellectual property rights.

“IP theft is not a victimless crime. It can devastate lives and businesses as well as undermine our nation’s financial stability, jeopardize the health of our citizens, and even threaten our national security,” US Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement.

The grants, provided through the Bureau of Justice Assistance, are for providing reimbursement of expenses incurred in performing criminal enforcement operations, such as overtime payments, storage fees for seized evidence, training and technical assistance.

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) praised the decision, noting it is the fourth year of funding pursuant to the federal Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property (PRO-IP) Act enacted by Congress in 2008.

Recipients of the grants are: County of Baltimore, Maryland; Austin, Texas; Central Point, Oregon; Cook County, Illinois; Orlando, Florida; Riverside County, California; Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office; New York County District Attorney’s Office; Sacramento County, California; San Antonio, Texas; California Department of Justice; St. Louis, Missouri Metropolitan Police Department; and the Virginia State Police.

Attorney General Holder’s remarks are here.