Game firm faces raps for pirated software

The National Bureau of Investigation raided the offices of an award-winning game developer for allegedly using pirated design software.

In a statement issued by the Pilipinas Anti-Piracy Team, Anino Games, Inc. (AGI) employees were caught by surprise when agents of the NBI’s Anti-Fraud and Computer Crimes Division raided their office in Makati City.

AGI has become popular for releasing the first Filipino-made game, Anito: Defend a Land Enraged, which has placed the country on the game industry world map.

Anito has won numerous international awards including those from the Independent Games Festival 2004.

During the raid, the NBI agents seized 36 computers loaded with pirated copies of various multimedia and entertainment software, including 3D Studio Max 2008, 3D Studio Max 9, AutoDesk Maya 8.5, AutoCAD 2008, AutoDeskMaya 2008 and Combustion 4. Pirated installers of the software mentioned were also found in AGI’s server.

Software firm Autodesk, Inc filed the complaint against AGI. The firm is a member of the Business Software Alliance (BSA).

The BSA has been a staunch supporter of the government’s fight against software piracy.

As part of its support to the PAPT, the BSA offers a reward of up to P1 million to anyone who provides information leading to a successful action and prosecution against a business establishment using unlicensed and pirated software. Informants can submit their report through BSA’s hotline numbers, 895-6438.

Software piracy is a violation of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines and is punishable by up to nine years imprisonment and a fine of up to P1.5 million. – Sandy Araneta