BSA warns consumers to resist pirated software in downturn

Peter Dinham
Tuesday, 05 May 2009 02:52

IT Industry - Strategy

The financial crisis and the consumer need for lower costs products has brought about a rise in temptation to purchase pirated goods in Australia, and drawn a warning from industry groups for consumers to resist the temptation to buy counterfeit products.

A coalition of industry bodies, comprising the Business Software Alliance (BSA), the Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia (IEAA) and the Australian Toy Association, has issued the warning to consumers following a national Newspoll survey revealing that almost two thirds (64%) of consumers believe it was ‘much more tempting’ to buy or obtain pirated products in the current economic climate.
 
Clare Wharrier, co-chair, Business Software Alliance Australia, said today that, now more than ever, “it’s crucial that individuals and businesses say no to piracy because it directly undermines Australian industry and discourages local innovation and creativity.”

“Australian innovation and creative industries rely on the protection of intellectual property rights and this issue not only affects specific industries, but the Australian economy as a whole.”

According to Wharrier, the national survey of 700 respondents last month, commissioned by the coalition, found that despite the increase in temptation, 74 per cent agreed that pirated products have a negative impact on the economy.

The coalition says it has been estimated that a reduction in piracy by 10 per cent over the next four years would generate an additional 3,929 jobs in Australia’s software industry, and that according to an IDC Piracy Impact Study last year, the reduction would result in AU$1.9 billion in local industry revenue and AU$4.3 billion in additional GDP.
 
CEO of the IEAA, Ron Curry, revealed that, in the gaming industry alone, the cumulative economic impact of piracy was $840 million, and that a rise in pirated goods against the current economic backdrop puts Australia at risk of falling behind in its drive to become a ‘smart economy’.

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