Trading standards gets GBP 5 million grant to combat piracy

The department of trade and industry is to award trading standards officers more authority and a GBP 5 million Government grant in a bid to boost the campaign against videogame piracy.

As announced by DTI minister Malcom Wicks at the Intellectual Property Crime Group in London, trading standards and other UK agencies will be given new powers under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act.

From April 6, officers will be able to make test purchases, enter premises and inspect and seize goods and documents. Customs, benefit fraud teams, police, trading standards and industry investigators will co-ordinate their activities on an ongoing basis.

According to Wicks, "There will be an additional 4,500 pairs of Trading Standards eyes watching counterfeiters and pirates. This will mean more surprise raids at markets and car boot sales, more intelligence, more prosecutions and more criminals locked up.

"IP criminals should know that the UK is not a safe place. The risk of 10 years' imprisonment and unlimited fines is very real and, from this date forward, a markedly higher risk."

Wicks quoted figures which say that piracy costs the UK film, music and game industries up to GBP 9 billion per year, adding, "The taxpayer is also losing out to the tune of £300 million. It's a serious offence, whether committed by small-scale hawkers or international crime organisations."

The new initiative has been welcomed by ELSPA director general Paul Jackson, who said, "The fight against IP theft remains a massive problem for not only the games business but film, music and branded goods.

"The DTIâs commitment to give new powers to TSOs around the country, plus a further £5 million in funding is a clear sign that the DTI understands that Trading Standards needs more help in the battle."