Pakistan : Six computer sellers were arrested here in Defense and Clifton areas in Karachi respect of loading unlicensed software on new computers, and their accessories worth an estimated retail value of at least Rs.500,000 were confiscated.
First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered against them, while all the 18 computers including processors, monitors, keyboards and compact disks were taken in to police custody, said a Business Software Alliance (BSA) press release here today.
Earlier, all the six vendors were warned of the penalties of copying illegal software on hard disks of new computers.
Commending the police for conducting the raids, the BSA spokesman said: "Effective law enforcement is vital to deterring copyright infringement and promoting compliance with software copyright laws."
The recent global software piracy figures reveal that almost one in three copies of software used is illegal, resulting in a $12 billion global loss to the industry. This is damaging the economies and risking smaller developers' businesses, he added.
Since 1988, the Business Software Alliance (BSA) has been the voice of the world's leading Software developers before governments and with consumers in the international market place. Its members represent the fastest growing industry in the world.
BSA educates computer users on software copyright; advocates public policy that fosters innovation and expands trade opportunities; and fights software piracy.
BSA has also set up a Hotline (0800 01234) in Karachi, from where individuals can seek information on copyright laws, as well as give details of any company they suspect is using or selling illegal software.
If, on investigation, their suspicions are proved right and ends in a valid legal action, the callers can receive a reward of software worth Rs. 50,000.
BSA, operates 50 anti-piracy hotlines around the world for callers who seek information about piracy or to report suspected incidents of software theft.
The law firm of Khursheed Khan & Associates for BSA in Pakistan.
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