U.K. pirates face 10 years in jail

The U.K. government's House of Commons has agreed to bring in significant changes to the copyright law that will mean someone convicted of software piracy could face ten years' imprisonment and an unlimited fine. The move is an attempt to crack down on those who create and sell counterfeit goods -- a practice that is estimated to cost the U.K. billions of pounds and thousands of jobs each year. The changes are contained in the Copyright, etc. and Trade Marks (Offences and Enforcement) Bill, a private member's bill brought by Dr Vincent Cable MP, the Liberal Democrat trade and industry spokesman. Having completed its passage through the House of Commons last Friday, the bill must now be approved by the House of Lords. It is expected to become law this autumn. The current maximum penalty for the "wilful making for sale or dealing in infringing copies of copyright material"--such as software, videos and music--is two years. By raising it to ten years the bill makes it a much more serious crime and brings it into line with trademark theft. The Copyright Bill will also make it easier for police to obtain a warrant to search premises they suspect are used for counterfeiting. --Graeme Wearden, ZDUK