Software copyright violations caused damage of over US$370,000 during two years

The damage caused by infringing copyright on software during 2008-2009 was assessed at 250,848 dollars and 90,900 euros. IT experts consider this is only a part of the discovered breaches of copyright, Business Expert reports.

“The damage caused to copyright owners will be paid by the person that will lose the legal case started by the producers or representatives of the producers. Furthermore, besides costs, the person that will be found guilty of infringing copyright on software will have to pay a fine of up to 200,000 lei or even serve up to five years in prison,” Daniel Martin, BSA lawyer for Moldova, stated for Business Expert, adding that pirated software is not worth the risk.

According to reports by the State Agency on Intellectual Property Protection of Moldova, the damage caused by breaching copyright on the software of Microsoft Corporation amounts to 184,421 dollars, of Adobe Systems – to 66,427 dollars, while of Autodesk – to 90,900 euros.