Software pirates issue public apology for IP violations

By eGov Innovation Editors | Dec 23, 2011

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Eight PC dealers caught selling various laptops and generic computers loaded with unlicensed copies of Microsoft Windows operating system and Office applications in the Philippines have issued apologies by way of advertisement in several publications and making a commitment not to repeat the offense.

In the Philippines, the use and sale of pirated and unlicensed software is a violation of Republic Act 8293, also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, and carries a fine of up to P1.5 million and imprisonment of up to nine years. However, instead of pressing charges, Microsoft has allowed the vendors to issue a public apology and commit to never repeat the offenses.

The move was covered by Microsoft’s Dealer Test Purchase Program, which was started in 1997. Under the agreement between Microsoft and the vendors, if any of the latter are caught repeating the offense, they would be charged with copyright infringement and breach of contract with a punishment in accordance with the law.

“Based on the results brought in by our investigations, 70 percent of computer vendors sell machines with genuine software with just the remaining 30 percent still on the piracy trail. Hopefully, by intensifying the random inspections we can discourage other would-be software pirates out there from using and selling illegal software,” disclosed Atty. Raul Cortez, Microsoft Philippines’ Legal and Corporate Affairs Director.

Microsoft plans to increase its sting operations throughout the country to “level the playing field” for vendors who sell only genuine Microsoft products and ultimately end software piracy.

“A lot of counterfeiters and vendors of illegal software are taking advantage of businesses and consumers by selling pirated goods without conveying to them the repercussions of using pirated software, such as the security risks that users are exposed to.  These enforcement efforts are meant to put an end to these activities and to punish those who are violating intellectual property rights,” said Celina Conti, Genuine Software Initiative Lead for Microsoft Philippines.