Date: 19 Nov 92 11:40:43 EST
>From: Gordon Meyer <72307.1502@COMPUSERVE.COM>
Subject: File 7--Piracy Declines
 
Piracy Rate Falls; the Crusade Steams Ahead.
 
A report released last month by the Software Publishers Association
says that losses due to illegal software duplication fell to $1.2
billion, down 41% from 1990's $2 billion loss.  Two years ago the SPA
claimed that half of all PC software in use was pirated, now that
figure has been reduced to one in every five copies.
 
Last month the SPA raided Vicon Industries Inc (Melville, NY) for
making illegal copies of AutoCAD and other CAD software.  The SPA
expects a six-figure settlement in this case.
 
Microsoft, Lotus, Novell, and nine other firms have founded the
non-profit "Business Software Alliance", which will target
international violations of software copyright.  ((Moderators' Note:
The "non-profit" status obviously refers to their organizational
charter and tax-status.  Clearly their interest in stopping piracy is
driven by a profit motive.))
 
The SPA reports that it collects $3.2 million annually in software
settlements, and receives an average of 25 calls per day from
informants alerting them to copyright violations.  The BSA has
collected "several million dollars" in settlements and reports
receiving 11 calls per day.
 
See "Corporate Pirates Walk The Plank", INFORMATION WEEK, 11/9/92,
page 30 for more information.
 
------------------------------
 

Downloaded From P-80 International Information Systems 304-744-2253