I'm sorry, I just can't resist. Just over half an hour after the Hargreaves review into the UK's outdated copyright regime was published, I received not one, but two comments from the Business Software Alliance.
"The BSA has prepared comment outlining their reaction to the findings of the report in the two most likely circumstances, which will be published later today," the email read, showing the organisation to be as finger-on-the-pulse as ever. "The two comments depending on the report's findings are below. If this is of interest or you would like to speak to a spokesperson from the BSA please do let us know."
Sarah Coombes, Senior Director of Legal Affairs, BSA EMEA:
Comment A) Hargreaves Recommends to Leave IP Structure as it is, without reviewing damages - most likely outcome!
While we commend the Government in conducting this review, we're disappointed they have again neglected to tackle the issue of the UK's unfair and harmful damages laws. The Government has missed an opportunity to create a strong enough disincentive against software IP theft. This situation is damaging to the UK software industry, which suffered a drain of £1.2bn in revenues lost to unlicensed use last year. The absence of a strong deterrent means that the issue of unlicensed software use will continue to remain a drain on our economy and will continue to stifle UK innovation in IP."
Comment B) Hargreaves Recommends to Leave IP Structure As it is, but recommends' heavier damages to be put into place
We have been pressing for fair damages provisions for years and are delighted the UK government has recognised the need for this change. Stricter regulations should act as a meaningful deterrent in the UK: helping the UK software industry, which suffered a drain of £1.2bn in revenues lost to unlicensed use last year. It is essential that the UK government continue to take a strong stance on software piracy and create greater awareness of the importance of strong IP laws, if innovators are to operate in the market fully and contribute to the economic growth that is vital to the UK.
So, disappointed it is then!
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Even the mighty organ of The Economist has been less than impressed with the BSA's approach to PR and lobbying in the past. I recommend to the house - http://www.economist.com/node/3993427?story_id=3993427