Interview André Franco Montoro Filho: The culture of transgression reinforces impunity (Diário de Pernambuco)

By ETCO

Source: Diário de Pernambuco, 16/04/2010

"The culture of transgression reinforces impunity"

In an interview with Diario, the president of the Brazilian Institute of Ethics in Competition (ETCO), André Franco Montoro Filho, defends vigorous actions to combat piracy.

The survey reveals that almost 90% of respondents buy pirated products. Is this percentage surprising?


Other research by other institutes also indicates that there is a large consumption of these products in all regions of the country, but it is still alarming.

People know that it is criminal practice. How do you evaluate this behavior?


Sometimes people know it is a crime, but they don't have the dimension of gravity. There is also a culture of transgression and the Brazilian way. There is no culture of respect for laws here, which is reinforced by impunity.

The consumer's main argument is price. Does the high tax burden in the country encourage piracy?


There is the economic component that encourages this practice. With the reduction of taxes and eventual price reduction, companies could produce goods more accessible to all sections of the population.

What are the losses of piracy to the country's economy?


There are a number of harmful effects and everyone loses. The government loses revenue, companies lose with unfair competition and the population loses because they do not have the guarantee of the quality of these products.

Do you think the government should take more vigorous action to combat piracy?


There must be actions of local and border repression and greater punishment so that the crime does not go unpunished. In addition to streamlining judicial processes.