The Federation Against Software Theft (The Federation) has welcomed the launch of a government paper that strengthens the fight against intellectual property (IP) theft.

According to the report, out today, the government has made three clear commitments: to introduce new legislation that would require ISPs to cooperate to take action on illegal file sharing by next April, to put into action a plan on IP enforcement and to promote better understanding of the value and importance of IP.

The report said: “The UK-Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO) will put into action a plan on intellectual property (IP) enforcement. The aim is to use the current enforcement regime more effectively through innovations such as a National Centre of Excellence to offer expert police resources to local enforcement. We will promote a better understanding of the value and importance of intellectual property. This will be delivered through the curriculum in schools and public awareness campaign.”

John Lovelock, chief executive of The Federation, said: “This is a major step forward in the fight against software theft. The legislation will take away the last hiding place for those breaking copyright law as they can no longer hide behind the anonymity of the Internet. At the same time ISPs will have a duty to cooperate when evidence is presented that illegal activity is taking place on their network.”

“The Report also makes a clear commitment to make maximum use of the Proceeds of Crime Act which will be a real deterrent to criminals,” added Lovelock. “We are clear though that the soon to be established National Centre makes use of industry experts – industry needs to be involved at grass roots level.”

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Federation unaffected by CS Group buy out