New EC copyright crime rules
p2pnet.net News:- The entertainment and software cartels have scored a major victory in their fight against Europeans who copy their products.
Under new European Commission rules, counterfeiters with crime gang connections will face penalties of up to four years in jail and fines of $366,000 (â¬300,000) .
The move, forms a basic platform underpinning our joint efforts to eradicate these phenomena which are undermining the economy, says Franco Frattini, the EC`s Justice, Freedom and Security vp.
Criminal organisations are now investing in these activities which are often more lucrative than other types of trafficking and still carry light penalties, says the EC in a statement.
Counterfeiters and pirates jeopardise legitimate businesses and threaten innovation.
Furthermore, in many cases, counterfeit goods pose a real danger to public health and safety.
The proposed measures apply to all types of infringements of intellectual property rights.
Under the proposal for a directive, all intentional infringements of an intellectual property right on a commercial scale, and attempting, aiding or abetting and inciting such infringements are treated as criminal offences, says a statement, adding:
The Commission hopes that this clear political signal reflecting the determination to combat piracy and counterfeiting will be supported by concerted, long-term information campaigns by national and regional authorities and other interested parties to raise awareness, not only among key players in the fight against counterfeiting and piracy but also amongst the wider public as a whole.
(Thanks, Rob)
Something you think we should know? tips[at]p2pnet.net
See:-
European Commission – Counterfeiting and piracy, July 12, 2005
July 13th, 2005 at 1:09 am
Not sure how to react to this, I guess we will have to see how the lawyers interpret it over the coming week. At first glance it again seems to go in the favour of p2p in as much as the legislation appears to be targeted directly at people who counterfeit goods on the black market for financial profit; rather than being aimed at the average user downloading for personal use.
Lets see what happens.
Alexander Hanff
July 13th, 2005 at 2:58 am
where does this man get his ideas i must know and how much did they pay you ,Furthermore, in many cases, counterfeit goods pose a real danger to public health and safety ..i dont know if i should smile or cry ..?
July 13th, 2005 at 3:07 am
…the ec has taken a page out of king george’s book – the book that says cheaper medications in canada are bad for americans’ health.
the counterfeiting gangs that make money should be stopped – they are the pirates, not filesharers.
but, how does a counterfeit cd harm a european’s health?