Getting tough on the illegal software users
The following article was published in the Birmingham Post, November 2007. The text has been edited for use on this website.
Businesses throughout the West Midlands have been warned that unlicensed software could land them in hot water with trading standards officials.
Firms which flout software regulations could receive a knock on the door from trading standards over the coming weeks, says IT experts.
The warning, from leading service and support provider Icomm, coincides with the introduction of section 107A of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act.
The new legislation gives trading standards officers the duty and the power to enforce against criminal copyright offences.
Icomm’s Ian Callens said illicit software could cause major problems for SMEs in the area.
Ian Callens, Icomm Sales Manager
There seems to be an inordinate amount of awareness from local businesses of the damage using counterfeit software can cause.
“We’re in close contact with a raft of SMEs across the region and we continuously preach the gospel of using legitimate software, even if illegal versions prove an enticing alternative.” Icomm says trading standards could carry out raids on businesses without a warrant or firm evidence.
And firms have been warned they could face unlimited fines and jail sentences.
“Non-compliance can have serious ramifications,” added Mr Callens. “If business chiefs are found to have knowingly broken the law it becomes a criminal offence punishable by up to ten years in jail.”
IT experts say copyright infringement on the whole costs the Treasury around £300 million a year.
If you require any more information on copyright issues please contact our Sales Team on 0121 248 7931.
2007.12.14 (AH)
