Piracy
What is piracy?
Piracy is the illegal copying of software.
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Why should we fight piracy?
· Piracy/counterfeiting is illegal and punishable by fines and jail sentences.
· Counterfeited/pirated games can be mixed with obscene or pornographic material.
· Consumers have no recourse under law for faulty pirated games, which can in some cases damage hardware.
· Local and national jobs are lost as a result of pirate operations.
· Proven links exist between piracy and organised crime, including drugs and pornography.
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What is being done about it?
The computer and video games industry has been actively involved with anti-piracy measures since 1994. Its dedicated Anti-Piracy Unit works closely with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTi) to police the illegal distribution of unlicensed software. It regularly assists Trading Standards Officers as well as the Police and Customs & Excise departments investigating piracy.

The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA)’s anti-piracy unit was established in 1994 to represent the interests of UK games publishers. In 2004, ELSPA’s anti-piracy unit took part in 538 raids against counterfeiters.

Paul Jackson, director general of ELSPA, comments: “Piracy is damaging to all levels of the computer and video games market, costing the industry millions of pounds every year and supplying consumers with sub-standard goods. A pirated game may appear to be the cheaper option, but this often proves to be false economy - the games can cause damage to the console and are frequently either faulty or incomplete. ELSPA advises buyers to shop for their games within the usual retail and online outlets.”

Jackson goes on to say: “Pirated games are unregulated, which means they are often sold without the proper age ratings and this can lead to minors receiving products that are unsuitable for them. The products offered by computer and video games pirates are unregulated and rarely display an official age rating.”
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How does it work?
The ELSPA anti-piracy unit responds to information about illegal software received from members, consumers, the retail trade and other enforcement agencies. Routine visits are made to markets and car boot sales by undercover officers who monitor the products being sold. Test purchases are made from alleged offenders. The unit liaises closely with Customs & Excise over the illegally imported software, and it supports legal action against those found copying and selling such items.

ELSPA recognises the growing use of the internet as a sales tool for their illegal products, and therefore has its own dedicated internet investigator, who tracks down such perpetrators.

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What can I do?
If you have information about illegal software pirates then you can call a 24-hour confidential hotline on 08705 133405.
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View the Piracy page