Press Releases
14th July 2008
Is the Channel the Prophet of Doom?
Software licensing fades into the background as the storm clouds of recession approach
The channel appears to be indicating that the tough economic conditions faced by UK Plc may lead to an increase in software piracy as companies struggle to control costs. According to research commissioned by the Federation Against Software Theft (The Federation) 79% of those questioned at the recent Channel Expo, believe the current economic climate will lead to businesses trying to save costs by not being appropriately licensed.
80% of the sample felt that obtaining illegal software was ‘very easy’ with 31.5% citing the Internet as the easiest way to access illegal copies of software programs. A further 22.5% cited peer-to-peer file sharing, 11.5% stating online auction sites and 13.6% suggesting car boot sales. Even the pub came in for a mention referenced by 9.5% of the sample!
John Lovelock, Chief Executive of The Federation, commented: “These figures come as little surprise when you consider a large proportion of UK businesses still don’t see the likes of peer-to-peer file sharing as a serious crime and in a time when belts are being tightened and pennies are being pinched the fact that licensing may be ignored doesn’t surprise me. However, organisations ignore such laws at their peril. The savings achieved through not licensing software may be beneficial in the short term, but those who flout them can face considerable losses and damage to their reputation.”
The law of the land has long been there to support organisations in the UK, however, when it comes to software piracy the Government seems to have lost its way. A statement vindicated by the fact that the 47% of the channel say they’ve heard nothing at all about the government’s position to tackle IP theft.
Out of the ones who were aware only 5% feel its IP proposal was credible, with an outstanding 54% stating it wasn’t credible at all. However, the most crucial and worrying statistic is the fact that 80% of the UK channel feels the government can’t tackle piracy.
John Lovelock, continued: “We at the Federation have been lobbying the Government for years to put forward a clear message concerning software piracy. This has fallen on deaf ears and if we move into a serious economic down turn they need to start listening. Last year piracy cost the UK economy £1bn and the country £175 million in lost VAT alone. Surely with a recession looming these figures are unlikely to improve. Businesses working in the channel need to feel they’re being protected and the above figures clearly prove this is not the case. The Government needs to act now.”
Notes To Editors
The UK economy figures referred to comes from a BSA Survey “The Economic Benefits of Lowering Software Piracy” (January 2008).
About The Federation
The Federation Against Software Theft was formed in 1984 making it the world's first anti-piracy organisation. It is a not-for-profit organisation that is limited by guarantee and wholly owned by its members, and works on many fronts to promote the legal use of software and defend its members' digital rights through education, enforcement, lobbying and promoting standards and best practice in business.
The Federation's own Legal Advisory Group (FLAG), which consists of 30 law firms engaged in IT/IP and operating in the UK and overseas, reinforces legal expertise.
For more information please contact:
Richard Merrin/Richard Warner
Spreckley Partners Ltd
T: 020 7388 9988
E merrin@spreckley.co.uk
Click here for Archive Press Releases and features about The Federation's activities
About FAST
In September 2008 the Federation Against Software Theft and Investors in Software joined forces to deliver a distilled, simplified and unified view of software asset management (SAM) and software license management (SLM) best practice to the end user community. The strength of the two reputable brands encapsulates a holistic approach to driving the professional use of software across the industry and the globe.
The Federation Against Software Theft was formed in 1984 making it the world's first anti-piracy organisation and continues to be a not-for-profit organisation that is limited by guarantee and wholly owned by its members, working on many fronts to promote the legitimate use of software and protect its members. rights through education, enforcement, lobbying and promoting standards and best practice in business.
For more information please contact:
Jared Foley/Richard Merrin
Spreckley Partners Ltd
T: 020 7388 9988
E: foley@spreckley.co.uk
E: merrin@spreckley.co.uk
W: www.spreckley.co.uk