Product piracy is one of the major economic crimes facing the manufacturers and distributors of branded goods and software in the Asia Pacific region. In Australia it is estimated that nearly one third of all software in use has been pirated, while the lost sales to the software, video game and toy industries alone equates to more than AUD$670 million per annum. The internet has created a ready environment for the advertising and distribution of counterfeit product on a global basis. Nearly a quarter of organisations in the region believe that this situation is only going to worsen over the next five years.
It is not just the direct effect on sales that is of concern to software manufacturers and distributors. Piracy also affects organisations’ abilities to charge premium prices for their products, jeopardises the integrity of their brands and affects consumer confidence. It makes sound economic sense for companies susceptible to product piracy to employ measures to combat the risks of brand damage and lost sales. These measures can include:
- Putting in place programs to identify and monitor the manufacturers, distributors and importers of pirated product
- Seeking assistance to obtain criminal and civil restitution from the manufacturers, distributors and importers of pirated product
How PwC can help you
We have an effective, nationwide lead sourcing and intelligence structure and our investigation resources operate throughout Australia and the world. This allows for the rapid and effective investigation of piracy leads, in any legal jurisdiction. Our services enable clients to make informed decisions and take further action such as legal action, or referral to law enforcement authorities. Our investigation teams possess the necessary knowledge and contacts to ensure effective case referrals.
We currently co-ordinate the Australian anti-piracy campaigns for two of the world’s largest software companies - targeting importers, markets and local producers of counterfeit software and gaming products.
