Gaming auction site works with ELSPA to fight piracy

Recently launched UK website Videogameauctions.co.uk has announced plans to take on users selling counterfeit products with the advice and guidance of game publisher trade body ELSPA.

VGA has received 30,000 visits since launching six weeks ago and more than 1300 items have been placed up for auction on the site - an unspecified number of which have been identified as pirated goods.

Site administrators removed the items in question, which included fake Game Boy Advance cartridges, bootleg arcade games and illegal Dreamcast and PlayStation 2 game discs. Counterfeit UMD disc images for the Sony PSP, distributed on CD-R, have also been identified, despite the fact that the handheld has yet to launch in Europe.

VGA approached ELSPA for guidance on how best to deal with pirates, and is now receiving help from the association in preventing further attempted sales of counterfeit goods.

"VGA stated from day one that illegal goods and pirates weren't welcome on our site, and we've done an excellent job so far in keeping these items and unscrupulous traders away from our members," said VGA proprietor Steve Lucas.

"ELSPA's sterling advice has helped clarify what we can and can't sell on the site, and has enabled us to put out a very clear message to the increasing number of visitors and regular traders on our site."

ELSPA deputy director Michael Rawlinson commented: "Games pirates operate under the misapprehension that auction sites are an easy route to market but, as recent cases being brought to court prove, this is not the case."

"We encourage auction sites to work closely with ELSPA to combat counterfeiters and provide them with materials and support to aid in this activity."