1,175 companies warned to reduce piracy in Chile during 2007

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SANTIAGO. -  The international organization, Business Software Alliance (BSA) reported today that a total of 1,175 companies in Chile were warned in 2007 about the possible legal and economic consequences for violations of the Intellectual Property and Copyright laws.

According to the latest report from the International Data Corporation (IDC), close to 68% of software programs installed in Chile are illegal copies.  The situation represents a great risk for the growth of companies in the Information Technology (IT) industry.

The organization indicated in a memo that current amendments being applied to the current Intellectual Property law will soon lead to “major increases in civil sanctions and penalties in the near future”.

In Chile, Law N117,336 concerning intellectual property states that fines can reach between 5 and 50 UTM per count and allows for punishment of up to 541 days in prison.