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FBI Crackdown
A news release about the FBI crackdown on software piracy
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It is estimated that the software piracy industry saps US$11.4 billion from the world economy. This translates to higher prices for software (an average of $15 more for every $100 spent) and less R&D funds going to software development (this could br the reason why so many applications are riddled with bugs). For a related news release and some scary statistics go here (www.spa.org/piracy/releases/97pir.htm).
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Peter Beruk, Director of North America Anti-Piracy, (202) 452-1600, ext. 314, or pberuk@spa.org
SPA Cooperates with FBI in Five Raids Software and Equipment Seized from Computer Fair, Residences and Vehicles
(Washington, D.C.- June 1, 1998) SPA applauds the efforts of the U.S. Attorney (Indiana) and Federal Bureau of Investigation in its crackdown Saturday, May 30, 1998, against a suspected piracy operation in Indianapolis, Ind., and Radcliff, Ky. The FBI, in cooperation with the Software Publishers Association and its members, Autodesk Inc. and Adobe Inc., performed several raids after a four-month investigation of individuals accused of illegally replicating and selling CD-ROM compilations and counterfeits of SPA members' software.
The suspects, working under the business names of "Indiana Micro Systems" and "Atlanta Micro Systems," operated a booth at several MarketPro computer shows in Tennessee, Ohio and Indiana, as well as at an AGI Computer Fairs show in Indiana. On Saturday, May 30, FBI agents served search warrants on the suspects' booth at a MarketPro computer fair in Indianapolis, two residences, a business and the van used to transport the contraband. Agents seized counterfeit software, unbundled software and hardware, including the CD-ROM replicators used to manufacture the counterfeit CDs.
The investigation was initiated based on information indicating the suspects were allegedly distributing unauthorized copies of SPA members' software as CD compilations and counterfeits. The suspects allegedly sold counterfeit copies of AutoCad Release 14 (normally a $3,750 product) on CDs without documentation for $75 as well as a CD compilation with more than $3,500 worth of Adobe software for $60.
Consumers can often recognize illegal software by looking for software and printed packaging that may appear fuzzy (generally indicating counterfeit software), statements on the CD saying "For Distribution Only With PC" (indicating the software may be unbundled), software from many publishers on a single CD (which generally means the software is also counterfeit) or software sold far below the normal retail price-a deal too good to be true probably is.
SPA is the principal trade association of the software industry, representing the leading publishers as well as start-up firms in the business, home office, consumer, entertainment and educational markets. SPA supports companies that develop and publish software applications and tools for use on the desktop, client-server networks and the Internet. SPA's 1200 member companies account for 85 percent of U.S. revenue for packaged and online software. In cooperation with other states' law enforcement offices, SPA is presently conducting investigations into computer crimes.
Hundreds of member companies look to SPA to protect their intellectual property rights around the world. SPA combines strong anti-piracy education and enforcement efforts through such programs as its piracy hotline, (800) 388-7478, the Certified Software Manager (CSM) and Internet in the Workplace courses, SPAudit, KeyAudit, videos, posters, direct mail campaigns and other awareness materials. More information on SPA's software piracy efforts can be found at Software Publishers Association (www.spa.org/piracy).
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