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Intellectual
Property Rights and Piracy |
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Piracy is primarily theft. However, the general consumer is yet to
realize the full implication of buying pirated products. It is
believed that no law-abiding citizen would willfully buy a
stolen car. However, when it comes to music, video, software or
print content, the citizens hardly relates this to stealing or
unlawful breaking. Piracy had almost killed the music, movie and
software industry in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh software and
music industry in particular thrives on spotting, nurturing and
marketing talent. However, rampant piracy had eaten into the
revenue of the industry which provides succor to thousands of
people, including budding talents. |
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The pirates have no such obligations. They sell stolen music,
videos and software at an extremely cheap rate. The artists and
talents get no royalty. The Government loses revenue in terms of
sales, excise and income taxes. The situation has cost these
industries and artists, programmers dear. Small music and
software companies are today reluctant to undertake new ventures
because of rampant piracy.
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The level of music piracy is as
high as 80 per cent. The film industry, which was reeling under the piracy
menace, was yet to formulate a cohesive anti-piracy action policy.
In this regard ChangeMaker
feels that a comprehensive program is required which would engage the
artists, talents, producers, distributors, law enforcement/customs officers
as well as civil society organizations under one umbrella “National Action
Network Against Piracy (NANAP)” to work at both supply and demand side of
piracy. Developing awareness and building a conscience among the consumers
against the purchase and use of pirated songs, movies and software will be
the primary focus to deal with the demand side. |
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Integration and partnership of all the
relevant ‘right holder’ groups in the field of music, audiovisual and
software industries is essential. The Action Network will benefit all
involved parties reducing costs, coordinating anti-piracy strategies more
efficiently and giving authorities an effective contact point.
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Objectives of the Program
· Develop
and operationalize a Forum - “National Action Network Against Piracy (NANAP)”
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Integrate the artists, talents, producers, distributors, law
enforcement/customs officers as well as civil society organizations in the
Network
· Undertake
public education and campaign involving media
· Develop
a knowledge and information center within the Network to collect and
disseminate information on piracy incidences, legal actions, copyright laws,
etc.
· Develop
a ‘hot-line’ service to report incidences
· Integrate
and provide support to law enforcement agencies and legal aid organizations
and institutions to develop capacity and skills to protect copyrights and
patents and take corrective actions against piracy.
· Policy
advocacy for strengthening and updating the copyright act as well as its
enforcement
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