Pirated programs suck up millions
According to the 2004 Global Software Piracy Study, released by the Business Software Alliance in cooperation with market intelligence firm IDC, the rate of computer piracy in Europe, the Middle East and Africa amounts to 39 percent, which is two percent less than in 2003. However, the losses incurred by domestic and international software producers increased by $3 (zł.10) billion reaching $15.7 (zł.52.4) billion in 2004.
Unfortunately, in Poland the index of intellectual theft continues to rise and reached 59 percent at the end of last year. This makes it the second largest user of illegal software in the EU, just below Greece (62 percent).
"The results of the study prove the lack of any respect for intellectual property in our country. The scale of this phenomenon is directly linked to great financial losses. Millions of dollars could be invested in research and development of the IT market in Poland. It would be beneficial to everyone and would surely translate into many new job posts," said Bartłomiej Witucki, BSA's spokesman.
Unfortunately, in Poland the index of intellectual theft continues to rise and reached 59 percent at the end of last year. This makes it the second largest user of illegal software in the EU, just below Greece (62 percent).
"The results of the study prove the lack of any respect for intellectual property in our country. The scale of this phenomenon is directly linked to great financial losses. Millions of dollars could be invested in research and development of the IT market in Poland. It would be beneficial to everyone and would surely translate into many new job posts," said Bartłomiej Witucki, BSA's spokesman.
