Europe is "rife" with piracy says ESA

The ESA has filed a special report with the US trade representative outlining how "rife" piracy is in Western Europe.

According to the report, during December 2008 thirteen different titles were downloaded 6.4 million times -- two titles accounted for 4.7 million of those downloads

"Piracy is the single greatest threat to the innovation, artistic commitment and technological advancements enjoyed by millions of consumers worldwide," said ESA bossman Michael Gallagher.

"Piracy is a job-killer that the world economy cannot afford in these difficult economic times.

"Countries that skirt obligations to combat piracy need to understand the unacceptable damage they are facilitating —and those countries that invest in protecting intellectual property rights and ensure that piracy is not tolerated at any level should be lauded."

Filed by the International Intellectual Property Alliance, the report lists copyright and piracy issues that have occurred in 48 foreign countries.

It is suggested that 40 of these countries be put on a "USTR Watch List" with Italy, Spain, France Germany and Poland being the biggest offenders.