§ Michael FabricantTo ask the secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what steps she is taking to combat computer software piracy by businesses; and if she will make a statement; [168910]
(2) what plans she has to implement the EU Enforcement Directive to control business software piracy; [168911]
§ Ms HewittRights holders in the UK have a comprehensive range of civil remedies to pursue enforcement activity against businesses that make and use illegal copies of computer software. The EC Directive on enforcement of intellectual property rights will ensure that similar provision exists throughout the Community. However, reducing illegal use of copyright material, including software, within businesses can be addressed in the first instance by improved awareness and understanding about intellectual property. In this respect, the awareness-raising activity the Patent Office undertakes is valuable. This should complement the awareness-raising activity undertaken by trade bodies such as the Federation Against Software Theft and the Business Software Alliance.