1843

Copyright Law—Assignment of Responsibilities

Supervisory responsibility for prosecutions brought under 17 U.S.C. §  506, and 18 U.S.C. §§ 2318, 2319, 2319A and 2320 rests with the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Criminal Division. Investigative responsibility for complaints arising under these sections rests with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Violations involving the importation of infringing works, labels, packaging and goods may also be investigated by the United States Customs Service. Prior authorization of the Criminal Division is not required for instituting prosecutions under Title 17 of the United States Code. However, because such prosecutions frequently involve technical and complex applications of the copyright laws, United States Attorneys are encouraged to consult the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section for assistance. Consultation is particularly important in cases which are likely to go to trial. [cited in USAM 9-71.001]