Media Piracy to Carry Forfeit of Profits

The entire profits from piracy of music, films and computer software will be confiscated or collected in fines in the future. The Ministry of Justice on Monday said it promulgated an amended law regarding regulations on illegal profits on Friday, which will go into effect three months from now, on March 20.

One of the key changes is that violation of intellectual property and copyright is now classified as a serious crime. Until now, only pimping or bribe taking carried confiscation of property as well as jail in the regulations concerning criminal profits. Copyright violation carried a jail term of up to five years or a fine of up to W50 million (US$1=W1,313).