US-based video games group The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has appointed Kenneth Doroshow as its new general counsel.

Doroshow, a former senior counsel to the US Department of Justice, will officially take up the post in September.

Commenting on the hire, ESA chief executive Michael Gallagher said: "The ESA continues to attract and recruit the brightest individuals. Ken has expertise in the protection of intellectual property and an excellent understanding of the increasingly connected, dynamic, and innovative entertainment environment we live in."

He added: "The computer and video game industry will be well-protected with Ken's guidance and I know he will help facilitate our growth."

Doroshow makes the move to the ESA after serving as the senior vice president of litigation and legal affairs at the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), where he managed anti-piracy lawsuits against Limewire and AllOfMP3.com.

Mitch Bainwol, chairman and chief executive of the RIAA, added: "Ken has been a solid and dynamic leader at the RIAA. His spirit, diligence, intelligence and legal capacity made him a special part of our team and he will be an outstanding addition to the ESA senior management."

The hire follows the ESA's appointment of Sally Jefferson as its new head of state government affairs. Jefferson took up the position in March and manages the body's relations with state legislators and governors.

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