Source: Intelog - Porto Alegre / RS - EDITORIAL - 17/05/2010

Piracy has found a vast field in the country and has already become part of the daily lives of a large part of the population. A survey conducted by the Federation of Commerce (Fecomércio-RJ) found that almost half (46%) of Brazilians purchased counterfeit products in 2009.

It also surprises the fact that they revealed to know that this illegal activity causes unemployment (63%) and finances organized crime (69%). However, the most recurrent explanation is that the acquisition is due to the lower prices.

The figures are illustrative of a major criminal economic activity. According to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), piracy is the crime of the century. According to data provided by the International Chamber of Commerce, it handles approximately 7% of world trade. This amounts to around 600 billion dollars, exceeding the 360 ​​billion dollars handled by drug trafficking.

In Brazil, according to an estimate passed on by the Brazilian Association to Combat Counterfeiting (ABCF), losses from piracy reach 20 billion dollars. The informal trade, according to the Brazilian Institute of Ethics in Competition (Etco), revolves with values ​​that correspond to 30% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Several products suffer adulterations, such as medicines, clothing, hygiene and cleaning, electronics, auto parts, software, CDs and DVDs. Sunglasses lead the list.

The consequences of unfair competition are intense. One is the closure of national factories. In 1999 there were 30 hairbrush factories. Now two remain. Some have completely disappeared, as with the nine crank factories, a bicycle part. Many eyeglass factories have also run out.

The Brazilian likes to criticize the poor services provided by the public authorities, as in education, health and public security. However, he must also assume his share of responsibility. With each pirated product he buys, resources cease to enter public coffers.

In addition, your conduct can benefit a criminal who is at the head of the sales system, earning with his impulse to buy. Society has to participate effectively in the fight against piracy.