Caraguatatuba is the target of police action against software piracy

On November 25, police agents carried out a search and seizure operation at a software reseller located in the city of Caraguatatuba, in São Paulo. In the action commanded by delegate Dr. Leandro Pereira, from the 1st Police District of Caraguatatuba, seven pirated computer programs were found.
 
The operation had the logistical support of the Brazilian Association of Software Companies (ABES), which carries out intense work, together with the police authorities in all regions of Brazil to repress the sale of illegal software.
 
“Operations to repress the sale of pirated media is part of the entity's efforts to reduce this illegal economic activity, which acts against the sustainable economic growth and prosperity of the country. By operating with their legal software licenses, entrepreneurs create a fair competition environment with their competitors, who invest in technology. This attitude contributes to the increase in employment and supports economic growth, making the country more competitive”, comments Jorge Sukarie, president of ABES.
 
In September, police agents carried out repression actions in the states of Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Minas Gerais. As a result, 25 resellers suspected of selling pirated software were approached and 489 media were seized.
 
Software piracy index in Brazil
 
In Brazil, software piracy rates are still very high. Data from BSA – The Software Alliance in partnership with IDC indicate a percentage of 53%. According to the study, for every ten programs purchased or downloaded over the internet, more than five are obtained irregularly. The financial impact of this type of business generates losses of approximately US$ 2.848 billion for the economy.
 
Report Portal
 
As part of efforts to reduce software piracy in Brazil, ABES, together with (BSA) The Software Alliance, has a software piracy reporting portal – www.denunciepirataria.org.br, focusing on companies and resellers that use or sell programs without proper licensing.
 
The complaints are anonymous and can be made by any citizen who finds irregularities in the use, sale or distribution of software in physical stores or online. After being investigated by the two associations and, if there is evidence of irregularity, the necessary measures will be taken so that the cases are resolved quickly. Entities can communicate with software manufacturers, local authorities and file lawsuits to ensure that Brazil's software law is respected.
 
In addition to the Denúncia Portal, the association also works with the Legal Entrepreneur initiative – www.empreendedorlegal.org.br, whose objective is to alert Brazilian businessmen about the legal risks, foreseen in the laws against Unfair Competition and Defense of Intellectual Property and possible technical damages when investing in pirated software.
 
Legal Risks
The use of pirated computer programs carries great risks for businesses. In addition to having its image linked to an irregular activity in the economy, the resale can be criminally liable with a penalty, which can vary from six months to two years, or be fined with amounts that reach three thousand times the price of each program used or reproduced.