Kilpatrick partner named US intellectual property enforcement coordinator

The position –dubbed the White House’s “piracy czar” for its emphasis on tackling copyright infringement—is housed at the White House’s Office of Management and Budget. According to the coordinator’s office website, the role is dedicated more broadly to the protection of intellectual property in America.

Marti, who has previously served as the chair of Kilpatrick’s diversity council and co-chair of its intellectual asset acquisitions and transactions team, takes the role that Victoria Espinel left in August 2013. He will require Senate confirmation before assuming the role.

Marti’s nomination was greeted across the entertainment spectrum. Positive statements were issued from such institutions as the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), the Recording Industry Association of America, the Entertainment Software Association, and NBCUniversal, among others.

“Danny’s impressive record of commitment to enforcing IP rights in the Internet age makes him a particularly strong choice,” said MPAA CEO and former Senator Chris Dodd. “We urge the Senate to confirm him without delay for this important job.”

David Hirschman, president and CEO, Global Intellectual Property Center, also commented: "We are pleased to see the administration moving forward with filling this critical role and the Chamber is anxious to build on the successes and momentum already established by the White House Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator. As Congress recognized when it created this position in 2008 with strong bipartisan support, American consumers, workers and job creators, benefit from this critical effort to protect our creative and innovative industries.‎"