ECD clamping down on software copyright breaches
The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) of the Royal Thai Police is intensifying its crackdown on software copyright violations.
In the first quarter of 2017, it reported that more than 50 business entities were found using unlicensed software on more than 600 PCs, with the value of software used illegally reaching over 90 million baht.
Most raid cases involve interior design companies and car parts manufacturers in Bangkok and nearby provinces.
The software copyright violation most commonly found is business entities reproducing copies of software without authorisation by using one licensed copy to install a programme on multiple PCs.
In the ECD’s first-quarter report of raid cases, a Thai interior design company in Bangkok was found using software illegally on 21 PCs, worth over 10 million baht. The company has an annual income of 14 million baht.
Under the Thai Copyright Act, the use of unlicensed software may subject business entities and their management to criminal and civil penalties, including substantial fines and imprisonment. Business entities that obtain software illegally are putting themselves at risk because they are not entitled to modifications and updates that address cybersecurity threats.
According to IDC’s Global Software Survey, 69% of software used by enterprises in Thailand in 2016 was unlicensed, compared with 71% in 2013. This decline is the result of the commitment of relevant agencies, including the Intellectual Property Department and the ECD, in seriously protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights through public awareness and enforcement campaigns.
The ECD’s goal is to get the rate of 69% closer to or below Asia’s average rate of 61% as soon as possible, according to its report.
Another key factor is that business entities are beginning to better understand the implications of unlicensed software, especially in making systems vulnerable to malware attacks.
The ECD is asking business decisionmakers to ensure only licensed software is used at workplaces. The legal and cybersecurity risks posed by the use of unlicensed software can include failure in business operations, financial loss, data breach and damage in reputation.