Bangkok--18 Mar--Vero
Thai Authorities demonstrate commitment to root out copyrighted software piracy
Software industry hails police actions against infringement.
Architecture, interior design firm charged with violations of Thai Copyright Act
Thai police authorities have followed through on a commitment to crackdown on theft of software intellectual property with a series of raids through the first months of 2009. This follows the recent police participation in the launch of a second annual national campaign that aims to curb copyrighted software piracy in Thailand.
Among the primary targets of police actions are businesses that subvert the Thai Copyright Act through use of unlicensed software as well as resellers that offer pirated software at retail outlets.
Through the first months of 2009, police investigations resulted in raids against pirated software worth more than 25 million Thai baht. A combination of local and international firms in a wide range of industries face charges, including fines and possible jail terms for directors, as a result of violating Thailand’s copyright act.
“The free ride is over for business people that think they can get away with avoiding prosecution under the law,” said Pol. Maj.Gen. Kowit Vongroongroj,
Commander of the Economic and Cyber Crime Division (ECD). “We will continue to apply pressure with the goal of protecting the intellectual property of innovators and investors in the software industry in Thailand.”
Architecture and interior design firms are among those industries facing pressure. Last week, police raided a number of Bangkok-based architecture and interior design firms, finding unlicensed AutoCAD and 3-D Studio Max software, among other products. Architecture and design firms use these products to create drawings and diagrams for their clients.
Businesses in the construction industry and manufacturing business were also among those targeted in recent police raids. Police initiate raids based on confidential tips, often from employees or IT managers. Through the first part of 2009, raids have taken place in various parts of Thailand, including Chiang Mai, Bangkok and other provinces.
“Any business in any industry in any part of the country is liable to face police action if they violate Thailand’s Copyright Act with regard to software intellectual property,” said Pol. Col. Sarayuth. “We will pursue all leads against companies in which there is evidence that they are violating the law.”
The risks of software piracy were recently underscored when the Thai Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court awarded a software developer damages of 3.5 million baht in its software piracy case against an Ayutthaya-based manufacturing company. The court issued an opinion finding that the defendant had used counterfeit copies of software in its business practices. In the opinion, the court held that the defendant’s actions amounted to willful infringement of the legal rights of the software developers. The court found that the actions violated the Thai Copyright Act.
Members of the software industry say that the enforcement of the Thai Copyright Act is critical to their business in the current economic environment. They urge businesses to legalize their software and the government to continue strong enforcement efforts.
“Strong protection of intellectual property rights is among the best ways to protect and create jobs in Thailand’s IT sector,” said Siripat Patrangul, Business Software Alliance (BSA) Spokesperson for Thailand. “Innovation is going to be a key factor in pulling the world out from under the current economic challenges, and we want to make Thailand a place in which innovation can flourish.”
Police officials also cite the economy as a factor in their serious pursuit against the infringement of intellectual property.
“Companies that violate Thailand’s intellectual property laws undermine the country’s IT sector and economy,” said Pol. Col. Sarayuth Pooltanya, “Our enforcement team is dedicated to protecting the intellectual property rights of innovators in Thailand. We will make every effort necessary in ensuring that businesses within our jurisdiction adhere to the laws with as many raids as required to bring home the message.”
Local software executives hailed the prompt police actions. Somporn Maneeratanakul, Managing Director of Thai Software Enterprise, maker of a highly popular dictionary product, said that police are making good on their promises to protect innovators.
“A few weeks ago the police publicly stated that they would crackdown on theft of software intellectual property, and they have followed through on their word,” said Somporn. “To be fair, the police are doing a much stronger job than most people are aware. The team at ECD consistently supports the software industry with crackdowns, and I believe they are making good progress.”
Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property recently announced a program in which Thai SMEs can purchase discounted software for their business operations. Information is available online at www.stop.in.th.
People that report the use of unlicensed software by calling 02-714-1010 or by reporting it online are eligible to receive an award of up to 250,000 Thai Baht. The identity of the caller is protected.
Media Contact:
Artima Tantikul
[email protected]
+66 (0) 2684-1551