CD Pirating in Pakistan




A Research Report 2003-2004
Purpose The issue of “CD Pirating” was examined in order to better understand their causes and effects. The main aim is to determine the main root causes of that deadly problem which is resulting in great loss. Background Pakistan has been on has been on America's "Watch List" for a decade. No significant progress against relentless copyright piracy was made until 1994 ,when raids against video piracy began ,and intensified in 1995. In 1995, Pakistani Government then modified its patent law and regulations. In 1998, it estimated that, "virtually all of Pakistan's demand for software is being supplied by pirated products”. In late 1999, cooperation from Pakistani authorities continued to result in some enforcement actions during 2000; Government also established special anti-piracy task forces in major cities and this was the very positive development.

Where Pakistan Stand

Following is the percentage of pirated cd within these countries.

No	Countries	Percentage
1	Vietnam	94%
2	China	92%
3	Indonesia	88%
4	Ukraine	87%
5	Russia	87%
6	Pakistan	83%
7	Lebanon	79%
8	Qatar	78%
9	Nicaragua	78%
10	Bolivia	77%

Exports of Pirated CDs

Pakistan now exports tens of millions of pirate CDs across the world. It is one of the largest sources of pirate discs. Pirate discs manufactured in Pakistan have been found in more than 20 countries worldwide.

During the first 11 months of 2003, $84.6 million of products from Pakistan were export.Seven known CD production plants (only three of which are registered with the proper authorities) threaten to devastate the entire legitimate market, and worse yet, change what was a small-scale domestic enforcement problem into an international export-piracy problem.

Pakistan is exporting its problem to the world

Illegal CD production has doubled in the years 2001-2002 and it is estimated at 140 million discs per year over ten times than demand in the country.A report suggests that “Pakistan is exporting its problem to the world."

Worse Yet In 2003

Eight known facilities in Pakistan produced 180 million discs in 2003, nearly all illegal. Out of which only 10% believed to be authorized the remaining 90% of discs produced are unauthorized.Most Being exported around the world to at least 46 other countries.

Recording Industry and the U.S. government have informed the Pakistan government exactly where these plants are and have supplied ownership information, but the government has done nothing in 2003. As a result of not doing enough against Piracy now Pakistan has moved from “Watch List” to the “Priority Watch List”.

You can also download the full Reaearch Report. More