Gonzales made the announcement as he unveiled new legislation that would stiffen penalties for such crimes in the United States for counterfeiting of goods ranging from software to sunglasses.

But because many pirated goods come from overseas, Gonzales noted that cooperation is needed from other countries.

"The list of countries partnering in these efforts is long, but the Department is committed to building on these successes and achieving even greater global participation in the future," he said.

"In the increasingly connected global economy, nothing short of a global effort will suffice. That's one reason I am traveling to China next week to seek new opportunities for better cooperation and coordination among our respective law enforcement agencies."

Gonzales said he would meet with senior Chinese law enforcement officials "and I plan to call on them for increased criminal enforcement of China's laws protecting the intellectual property rights of businesses in the US and around the world."

The devlopments come amid growing concerns about piracy of patented and copyrighted materials that are key for the US economy -- Hollywood movies, music and videos, prescription drugs and a variety of brand-name goods ranging from watches to sunglasses.

"We will not tolerate crimes that harm American businesses and consumers," Gonzales said.

"That is a message that I look forward to sharing with our international partners -- especially when I travel to China next week. It's a message I hope our Congress will embrace as they take up new legislation to clarify and toughen our laws protecting intellectual property."

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