Section 107A used for the first time in anger by Swansea to tackle corporate software copyright offences

Trading Standards in Swansea working in conjunction with the Federation Against Software Theft (FAST), have conducted the first anti-piracy raid in the city using the 2007 powers granted under section 107A - together with considerations of possible offences under section 110 - of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

After receiving information from a whistle blower, FAST supplied detailed information on suspected illegal downloading of unauthorised copies of software for a business’s use. The information suggests Directors’ full knowledge of the activity.

Accordingly, Trading Standards have raided the premises today Monday 12th July in order to collect evidence.

John Lovelock, Chief Executive of FAST commented: “The evidence we took to Trading Standards has proved invaluable in securing the inspection without notice. It is our intention to send a very loud and very clear message to businesses in the area - we will not tolerate intellectual property infringements and if we get evidence of this we will come after you.”

“Trading Standards is now making full use of its duties and powers granted under 107A, which allows inspection on suspicion. There must be a UK level playing field businesses to complete. A prosperous software industry and creative IP sector as a whole leads to increased employment and success. IP violators knowingly flouting the law must be found and brought to book.

“Trading Standards will continue to work in cooperation with representative bodies such as FAST to enforce the law on copyright offences. After April 2007, the law strengthened Trading Standards’ hand; something they should have received 13 years ago when it first entered into the statute book. Now it has the powers it needs to be able to do the job unhindered and effectively and we will fully support that role.”