Piracy, do unto others?

Bhutan Times reporter Pema Deki writes in her report Piracy, an issue of concern,

The film and music industries in Bhutan are facing the problems of piracy today which has become a big issue of concern.

This is a worldwide problem that has become issues of concern. Everyday, hundreds of music, movies, software, books, work of art are being pirated. Internet is the main factor that enables and eases piracy. Despite the Organisation that is founded to tackle the problem, nothing seems to be working.

Several music and movies are pirated in Bhutan that is available readily and cheaply at the next door booming town of Jaigoan, West Bengal – a border town across Phuntsholing.

“Piracy is the main concern here, when there is piracy the whole work done by that person is lost and all his credits and affords are being taken by the others, and this is the problem faced by our film and music industries,’ said Dasho Sonam Tshering.

Credits and affords (?) are being taken by others? When a product is pirated, his credits is not taken. Maybe his affords is taken away since he does not gain any monetary returns.

“In my opinion I think these problems are growing mainly because of being careless, and it is the fault of the industries that should be more careful especially after the movie or music is released,” said Sonam Tshewang, a film maker.

Yet, in my opinion, these problems are growing mainly because we do not respect the copyrights of others. First thing we must do is to close down all the shops that sell pirated foreign movies and music, and bookstores that sell pirated literary works. If we are able to do that, then we will have a firmer stand on what we say. Doing thus would enable the WIPO to work on the development of international norms and standards in the area of copyright and related rights.