CID crackdowns on pirated software users

The Anti-Piracy and Counterfeit Unit, recently established at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Sri Lanka Police carried out a series of raids on an international group of companies suspected of infringing the intellectual property rights of Business Software Alliance members. Amongst the pirated and unlicensed software were those from Adobe, Autodesk and Microsoft.

The use of pirated and unlicensed software in businesses is a criminal offense under the Intellectual Property Law No.36 of 2003.

The inspection and identification of suspected pirated software took over eight hours and the police seized over 30 computers, installed with suspected pirated business software valued at rupees seven million five hundred thousand (Rs. 7,500,000) taken into Police custody for further inspection and to be produced in Court.

Director CID Wijaya Amarasinghe said: "The laws of Sri Lanka must be respected.

We are focusing on taking action against companies using pirated and unlicensed software in their business as they are not only infringing upon the rights of copyright owners, but may be indirectly rewarding illegal vendors or even organised crime networks. Companies trying to cut costs may be tempted to use pirated software and disregard the law, but piracy is theft and is actionable by law.

The software industry and other creative sectors need protection against this kind of crime. We are responsible for creating a safe environment where legitimate businesses, innovation and original ideas can flourish".

"The Police is committed to protecting intellectual property rights, and will not hesitate to pursue criminal action against senior management of companies found to be taking advantage and flouting the law in this regard", Amarasinghe said.

Consultant, Business Software Alliance (BSA) Sri Lanka Shalini Ratwatte said, "The BSA commends the Government for its initiative to create a safe environment for Intellectual Property and Innovation to thrive.

The establishment of the Anti-Piracy and Counterfeit Unit at the CID, with its dedicated and well trained team, is an example of the Government's commitment to ensure respect for the law in this area.

This is vital for building investor confidence and supporting the growth of legitimate local business".

The cases are being heard at the Magistrate's Courts of Panadura and Kalutara under the instructions of Sudath Perera Associates.