January 2, 2009 by Matt Thomas
A Shanghai court has convicted 11 people of violating Chinese copyright laws and joining a complex piracy ring which has been counterfeiting and distributing Microsoft software for globally for years.
The men were given sentences ranging from 18 months to six and half years in prison, the longest jail terms ever given in this kind of Chinese copyright case. Microsoft applauded the result, calling the group to which the counterfeiters belonged “The biggest software counterfeiting organization we have ever seen, by far.” Microsoft estimates their sales at more than $2 billion globally.
The case involved a joint investigation between the Chinese Ministry of Public Security and the FBI. This has led some to call the case a landmark, which may pave the way for future investigations of its kind. That is significant because this particular group became very successful by operating much like a multinational business and selling their goods across the world, a successful example that other piracy organisations are sure to follow. Therefore, significantly more International cooperation will be needed in the future.
A separate trial involving nine persons accused of pirating and distributing Symantec and Microsoft software is currently ongoing.
Related posts:
- France pushes ‘Three Strikes’ Piracy Law
- LimeWire, piracy program of choice for many, faces closure
- Carol Bartz: Stop talking about Microsoft!
- Calls for music industry to revise charging schemes
- Changes in web domains enable increased access, globally
- US undergoing criticism for treatment of illegal downloaders
