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Software piracy awareness campaign launched across South East

A campaign to highlight the issue of software piracy, and its negative impact on the creation of jobs and wealth has been launched across London and the South East.

‘Software - Stay Legal’ mirrors other successful initiatives in the North West, North East and Wales, and will commence in the South East with an event at the Guildhall, Windsor on May 15.

The event will see the Federation Against Software Theft (FAST) work with Trading Standards in the South East to send a message to businesses from across the region and build awareness of the economic impact of the illegal use of software.

Jo Player, Trading Standards Manager for the South East region, comments: “The digital sector is essential for economic growth in the South East and Trading Standards has to make sure it is fully prepared in the fight to protect local businesses against software piracy.

“Copying software is not a victimless crime and businesses in the South East are suffering as a result of it – weakening the UK economic recovery and threatening job creation.”

Under section 107A of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, Trading Standards has the duty to prosecute copyright offences and many inspect workplaces to check for compliance including software.

FAST is providing guidance for Trading Standards officers across the country on how to spot piracy and therefore by equipped to enforce intellectual property rights.

Speakers from a number of leading software IP rights holders, including Adobe, Symantec and Microsoft, as well as FAST and the Intellectual Property Office will highlight the role of software development in the economy.

Adam Afriyie, MP for Windsor, has leant his support to the campaign: “We live in a world of opportunity in which information flows freely and technology changes fast. But it’s also easier than ever to pirate and bootleg other people’s work.”

“We must challenge the assumption that digital is somehow different. Intellectual property belongs to someone.

“Theft is theft whether is involves physical goods or intellectual property. I commend the work of FAST in protecting the IP rights of its members.”

David Cole, Solicitor at Palmer Biggs and member of FAST’s Legal Advisory Group (FLAG) comments: “The South East has a higher than average dependence on the Digital Economy, which has been an important seam of growth, investment, and jobs.

“Innovation and growth depends on robust Intellectual Property legislation – more precisely – the belief that this legislation will be enforced and supported. Industry-led bodies, such as FAST, play a vital role in driving awareness, educating businesses, and assisting the authorities with enforcement.

“Inviting a dialogue between businesses and Trading Standards will no doubt prove fruitful.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .