Menu
10/07/2003
One-in-three CDs are counterfit
Global sales of pirate CDs have more than doubled in the last three years to exceed one billion units for the first time - meaning that one-in-three of all CDs sold worldwide is a fake, according to a new report published by the international recording industry today.
Sales of pirate CDs are estimated to have risen by 14%, while the total value of the pirate music market, including cassettes, was $4.6 billion, up 7% on the previous year, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).
The figures mean that the global pirate music market, at $4.6 billion, is of greater value than the legitimate music market of every country in the world, except the USA and Japan.
Much of the proceeds from music piracy are funding organised crime syndicates, and the legitimate music industry in several of the worst-hit countries is threatened with collapse, says the report on Commercial Music Piracy 2003.
Top of the list in terms of its piracy rate is China, where more than 90% of all recordings are pirate, worth over US$530 million, despite the country's accession to the World Trade Organisation.
The report points to the huge losses piracy causes to investment, economies, cultures and tax revenues and calls for government reforms in three key areas: stronger copyright and enforcement rules; regulation of CD plants; and more aggressive prosecution of copyright crimes.
IFPI Chairman and CEO, Jay Berman, said: "Commercial piracy proliferated in many countries in 2002, and we have named 10 priority countries where action is most needed. Our industry invests substantial resources in fighting piracy, but our self-help strategies critically depend on help from governments.
"First, we need modern copyright laws and proper enforcement; second, the huge overcapacity of CD plants needs to be reined in by Optical Disc plant regulations; and third, we need deterrence - music piracy is serious organised crime that can only be tackled when courts deliver serious deterrent penalties."
(GMcG)
Sales of pirate CDs are estimated to have risen by 14%, while the total value of the pirate music market, including cassettes, was $4.6 billion, up 7% on the previous year, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).
The figures mean that the global pirate music market, at $4.6 billion, is of greater value than the legitimate music market of every country in the world, except the USA and Japan.
Much of the proceeds from music piracy are funding organised crime syndicates, and the legitimate music industry in several of the worst-hit countries is threatened with collapse, says the report on Commercial Music Piracy 2003.
Top of the list in terms of its piracy rate is China, where more than 90% of all recordings are pirate, worth over US$530 million, despite the country's accession to the World Trade Organisation.
The report points to the huge losses piracy causes to investment, economies, cultures and tax revenues and calls for government reforms in three key areas: stronger copyright and enforcement rules; regulation of CD plants; and more aggressive prosecution of copyright crimes.
IFPI Chairman and CEO, Jay Berman, said: "Commercial piracy proliferated in many countries in 2002, and we have named 10 priority countries where action is most needed. Our industry invests substantial resources in fighting piracy, but our self-help strategies critically depend on help from governments.
"First, we need modern copyright laws and proper enforcement; second, the huge overcapacity of CD plants needs to be reined in by Optical Disc plant regulations; and third, we need deterrence - music piracy is serious organised crime that can only be tackled when courts deliver serious deterrent penalties."
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 January 2005
Report reveals massive rise in music downloads
A report into the digital music market has revealed that the popularity of downloading music from the Internet is increasing rapidly.
Report reveals massive rise in music downloads
A report into the digital music market has revealed that the popularity of downloading music from the Internet is increasing rapidly.
18 November 2003
Public given Christmas warning over pirate DVDs
The Chief Executive of the Film Council has warned of the danger posed to the film industry by pirate DVD sales and of the risk of consumer disappointment.
Public given Christmas warning over pirate DVDs
The Chief Executive of the Film Council has warned of the danger posed to the film industry by pirate DVD sales and of the risk of consumer disappointment.
07 February 2013
Digital Music 'Becomes Mainstream'
Consumer take-up of digital music service is set to catapult to even greater heights, confirms a new report published today by recording industry trade body The BPI.
Digital Music 'Becomes Mainstream'
Consumer take-up of digital music service is set to catapult to even greater heights, confirms a new report published today by recording industry trade body The BPI.
03 September 2012
Pirate Bay Founder Arrested
A founder of a popular file-sharing website used in the UK has been arrested. One of four founders of Pirate Bay was arrested in Cambodia according to local police.
Pirate Bay Founder Arrested
A founder of a popular file-sharing website used in the UK has been arrested. One of four founders of Pirate Bay was arrested in Cambodia according to local police.
12 August 2009
English Channel Ship 'Under Pirate Control'
A missing cargo ship may have travelled through the English Channel after being hijacked by pirates, it has been revealed. The Arctic Sea, which has 15 Russian crew members, had made contact with British Coastguards before it entered the Straits of Dover on July 28.
English Channel Ship 'Under Pirate Control'
A missing cargo ship may have travelled through the English Channel after being hijacked by pirates, it has been revealed. The Arctic Sea, which has 15 Russian crew members, had made contact with British Coastguards before it entered the Straits of Dover on July 28.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
