Azerbaijan, Baku, June 4 / Trend /
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan and BSA | The Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) organised the first ever training for Azerbaijan law enforcement officers on how to identify counterfeit and unlicensed software.
During the training, specialised members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs were trained on the newest methods of identifying counterfeit and unlicensed software. Several discussions were held regarding how to test purchases suspicious software products from the distribution channel, how to identify unlicensed software used by commercial entities, how to identify counterfeit software and related product identification techniques, and overall cooperation between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and rightholders.
According to the recently launched study performed by BSA and INSEAD, one of the leading business schools in the world, the growth of the properly licensed software market would have a greater impact on the economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, than with a similar increase in the volume of the pirated software market. The growth of the licensed software market by 1% would raise national production of about $38 million U.S. Dollars, compared with $19 million U.S. Dollars with a similar increase in the volume of pirated software. Thus, the growth of the market of licensed software by 1% would have provided an additional economic benefit of 19 million. U.S.dollars.
Moreover, every additional dollar invested in licensed software in the Republic of Azerbaijan has a return on investment (ROI) in GDP, in the amount of $380 U.S. Dollars. For comparison, the return on investment for pirated products is $28 U.S. Dollars for each additional dollar invested.
"Using properly licensed software reduces both legal and security risks that arise from unlicensed software use, and creates operating efficiencies that go directly to the bottom line for enterprises," said Nariman Ramazanov, Outside Counsel to BSA in Azerbaijan. "However, this study confirms that licensed software is not just good for the users - it is also an important driver of national economic growth. Government, law enforcement, and industry in Azerbaijan should take every opportunity to reap these potential gains by reducing piracy and promoting use of properly licensed software."
In accordance with the Law of Azerbaijan on Copyright and Related Rights and the Criminal Code, there are legal measures available to rightholders for them to effectively protect their rights in the country. Sanctions for copyright infringement range from confiscation of the proceeds, materials and equipment used for the unauthorized reproduction to fines of up to 55,000 AZN. Illegal use of software protected by copyright may also result in a fine and community service up to 240 hours, or even a prison term of up to three years.
BSA's participation in the Ministry of Internal Affairs' training seminar is expected to increase the protection of software copyrights in the country. BSA continues to support Azerbaijan law enforcement agencies in detecting software piracy and applying appropriate sanctions.
About BSA | The Software Alliance
BSA | The Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) is the leading global advocate for the software industry. It is an association of world-class companies that invest billions of dollars annually to create software solutions that spark the economy and improve modern life. Through international government relations, intellectual property enforcement and educational activities, BSA expands the horizons of the digital world and builds trust and confidence in the new technologies driving it forward.
About INSEAD eLab
As one of the world's leading and largest graduate business schools, INSEAD brings together people, cultures and ideas from around the world to change lives and transform organizations. eLab is INSEAD's center of excellence in the global knowledge economy. A key objective of INSEAD eLab is to strengthen links across academia, business leaders and policymakers by: drawing on a variety of global resources to develop research insights that are academically rigorous and relevant to private and public sector leaders.
Information on INSEAD eLab, including other research reports, can be found at insead.edu/elab.