Major new anti-piracy campaign target local councils

The UK’s video retailers have been joined by cinemas in the fight against DVD piracy by embarking on their first national campaign aimed at raising awareness among local authorities to the harm done by piracy.
More than 3,000 retail and rental outlets and cinemas across the country have written to their local council leaders, urging them to put more resources behind Trading Standards services to enforce against DVD piracy. The letters highlight the fact that piracy supports local crime and puts businesses under immense pressure. Store chains involved in the campaign include HMV, Virgin, Woolworths, Asda, WH Smiths and Blockbuster as well as cinema operators Odeon, Vue and Cineworld and many independents.
Major new film releases lose 39% of box office receipts and a further 25% from official DVD sales due to piracy. This translates into an approximate cost of £280 million to the rental, retail and cinema business in cannibalised sales, out of a total film industry loss of over £700 million through physical and digital copyright theft. These losses are not sustainable for those relying on the film industry to make a living.
Commenting on the campaign, Lavinia Carey, director general of the British Video Association and a director of the industry campaign, says: “Local retailers and cinemas are genuinely worried by the issue of DVD piracy - it presents a real threat to their businesses. Some of the best known high street names are under threat and to make matters worse, the crime is often taking place right under their noses. This campaign highlights to local authorities that enforcement against piracy contributes to local crime reduction and protects local businesses from unfair competition. Feedback so far suggests that councillors are very receptive.
“The impact of piracy is far reaching. It causes the closure of shops because they can’t compete, leading to a reduction in business rates payable with a knock-on effect on the local economy. This in turn can increase local unemployment and sends out the message that crime does pay. Illegal traders also harass shoppers and often using children to front their stalls at markets.”
(GB)