The Russian government pledged to take tougher action to
protect intellectual property rights as it faced increasing
pressure to crack down on software, music and video
piracy.
Prime minister Mikhail Kasyanov said that promoting economic
growth was the the government's key priority and that "intellectual
property is a most important resource for economic growth".
Russia is the second-largest producer of pirated music and films
after China. Market research firm IDC and the Business Software
Alliance (BSA) have estimated that 87% of all software used in
Russia is pirated. In Moscow, the latest version of Windows or a
disc of MP3 files containing everything the Beatles ever recorded
can be bought for less than $3 (£1.90).
On 1 May, the US Trade Representative's Office issued its annual
list of countries with the worst record of protecting copyright
materials and placed Russia in the top ranks of offenders.
"Rampant piracy and lack of enforcement are problems in Russia,
Taiwan, Poland, Brazil and other trading partners," the USTR said.
"Weak protection of intellectual property rights result in
substantial annual losses to US industry."
The International Intellectual Property Alliance has estimated
that global piracy costs US industries as much as $22bn
(£13.8bn) every year.
The USTR credited Russia with taking some steps to fight piracy,
but said much more needs to be done.
Russia introduced a new trademark law on 1 January and amended
its criminal code in April, increasing fines for copyright
violations to a maximum of 180,000 roubles (£3,600) and has
increased prison sentences for repeat offenders to a maximum of
five years.