ELSPA welcomes IP theft report

ELSPA has welcomed a recent report by the UK government which acknowledges IP theft as a serious crime.

The Gowers Report suggests stronger powers and duty for trading standards to take action against infringer's of copyright law.

"We are very pleased about the government's adoption of the Gowers Review into IP theft," commented Paul Jackson, director general of ELSPA.

"ELSPA has lobbied extensively on this issue with government ministers and many other relevant political stakeholders, where we have been working hard to persuade government of the crucial part we play in the cultural and economic output of the UK, and the importance of IP theft in our industry."

Other points raised in the report aimed at better enforcement include IP recognised and incorporated as an area for police action in the National Community Safety Plan, and tougher penalties for online copyright infringement, including up to 10 years imprisonment.

"Online crime is the next big battle for us and this move is definitely a step in the right direction," said Jackson.

"We will work closely with government and industry to ensure that all recommendations are implemented quickly and effectively while we continue to work tirelessly on behalf of the industry in the prevention of further IPO theft," he concluded.