International software piracy

It is argued that with the rapid changes in the global business environment and the western stake in expanding markets, protection of intellectual property and prevention of software piracy are among the most important international problems facing western economies. The inherent nature of software, which makes it easy to replicate and difficult to protect under copyright laws, is discussed. Measures developed to protect intellectual property rights and regulate software piracy are reviewed. Steps that must be taken to ensure the wide accessibility of software and to remove the incentives for piracy are outlined.<>