Software piracy: Businesses may be prosecuted after 6th April under new laws

The Federation Against Software Theft (FAST) has welcomed the announcement that trading standards officers will be given new powers to check businesses’ compliance with software licensing laws from 6 April. The new powers will be granted under an amendment to the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. The move was a key recommendation in the Gowers Review of Intellectual Property. It’ll mean more surprise raids, and more prosecutions of those who flaunt the regulations.

http://www.fast.org.uk/viewnews.asp?article=3720

John Lovelock, Director General of The Federation, commented:
“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. Very simply the risk to organisations which misuse software will be greatly increased, and therefore compliance is absolutely essential”.

Chris Moody
ASL Computer Services