Renewed attack on illegal software users

Firms using and trading illegal software face a renewed clampdown following new powers granted to Trading Standards.

Trade and industry minister, Malcom Wicks confirmed that from 6 April, Trading Standards inspectors will given additional powers to enforce regulations under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act.

Under the changes, officers will be able investigate copyright offences and enter business premises to inspect software, with no warrants or prior notice required.

The minister said that the change would mean "an additional 4,500 pairs of Trading Standards eyes watching counterfeiters and pirates".

"This may mean more surprise raids at markets and boot sales, more intelligence, more prosecutions and more criminals locked up," he said.

Anyone convicted of a copyright offence could now be liable to spend up to ten years in prison. Companies convicted of similar offences could find themselves paying damages greater than the cost of purchasing the correct licenses in the first place.

"It's time for organisations to get their software compliance with the law addressed. Trading Standards can now come knocking on your door, and you may be the subject of a criminal investigation," said John Lovelock, director general of the Federation Against Software Theft.

"Very simply the risk to organisations which misuse software will be greatly increased, and therefore compliance is absolutely essential."