Trading Standards works FAST to stamp out software crime

CRIME BUSTERS from Trading Standards and The Federation Against Software Theft (FAST) have teamed up in Cardiff to try and stop the illegal use of computer software using the Trademarks Act of 1994.

The partnership claims that the aim of this relationship is to educate businesses in how to use the software legally, and only take action if a company is later found to be guilty.

That huge sigh of relief is the sound of those businesses who were paid surprise visits by TS last year – with no warning or warrant – the offenders were consequently carted off for prosecution.

Critics are saying that this is a waste of time and a misuse of public money as Gordon Brown has given a tidy sum of £5 million towards enforcing copyright, meaning Trading Standards now has the power and duty to enforce against any criminal copyright offences – be afraid, be very afraid.

The Director General of The Federation, John Lovelock, states: “Technology is constantly giving criminals new ways of committing crimes and theft is a major issue that has to be addressed. As a result we intend to fully co-operate with Trading Standards so that together we can clamp down on those responsible for piracy and protect owners of Intellectual Property.”

Dave Holland, Cardiff Trading Standards, added: “Trading standards may now work in cooperation with representative bodies to enforce the law surrounding copyright infringement.”

FAST was asked by the INQ to comment further on this – they are yet to respond. µ