Trading Standards and FAST join forces for anti-piracy sting in Wales

Consumer rights watchdog enforces copyright law for first time in Swansea raid

FAST claims the raid was prompted by a tip-off about an unnamed Swansea-based company

Trading Standards in Swansea has conducted its first anti-piracy raid since it was granted powers in 2007 to enforce section 107A of the 1988 Copyright, Designs and Patents Act.

The raid on 12 July was carried out with the help of the Federation Against Software Theft (FAST).

It was prompted by a tip-off to the anti-piracy body about an unnamed business suspected of illegally downloading unauthorised copies of software.

John Lovelock, chief executive of FAST, said the information provided to his organisation had proved invaluable in securing the right to inspect the property without notice.

“Trading Standards is now making full use of its duties and powers granted under 107A, which allows inspection on suspicion,” he said. “A prosperous software industry and creative IP sector leads to increased employment and success and IP violators knowingly flouting the law must be found and brought to book.”