Software Piracy: A Threat To Technological Innovation

Suruchi Kanoongo, LL.M, Symbiosis Law School (SLS), Symbiosis International Deemed University (SIU), Pune

ABSTRACT

Intellectual Property Rights are the heart and soul of the innovation world. It provides incentives and protections to the creators to achieve those groundbreaking advancements. However, the innovation ecosystem struggles with specific challenges in the form of software piracy or digital piracy. Software piracy affects Innovation in the broad landscape of Intellectual Property Rights. It thereby hinders progress and reduces the growth of an economy. Piracy could lead to discouragement as it reduces the potential reward from new inventions. Because creators lack in gaining the benefits of their hard work, their motivation diminishes. It thus creates a culture of disregard by undermining the foundation of the future: Innovation. This Research, therefore, tries to uncover the hidden facets surrounding digital piracy and how it affects Innovation, thereby hindering the economic growth of a nation. To address these issues, the Research highlights the potential of stringent enforcement measures conducive to Innovation and societal progress.

Keywords: Copyright, Economy, Innovation, Infringement, Piracy, Software.