| Abstract: | This article seeks to understand the processes by which the crime of intellectual property theft is organized, with specific
attention given to film piracy. It seeks to identify the structure and function of the criminal enterprises engaged in this
crime and assess the degree to which organized crime is involved with film piracy. An analysis of available sources reveals
that general conclusions about the relationship of organized crime to film piracy results from a lack of useable and verifiable
information in media, government, and industry sources. In the absence of independent, substantive analysis, anecdote and
industry interests currently drive public policies and legal developments created to address the role of organized crime in
film piracy. In the United States and across the globe, seizures, criminal indictments, civil actions, and public awareness
are up considerably. Whether or not these advances can be maintained in the face of technological advances, the evolution
of industry economic structures, and consumer indifference to the stigma of intellectual property theft and concern at industry
response to such theft remains to be seen. Specific recommendations for future research are offered.
The author would like to thank the International Center of the National Institute of Justice for soliciting funding this research
through a grant, Intellectual Property and Organized Crime. He also Thanks Jay S. Albanese and his the anonymous reviewers
of this work for their helpful comments and criticisms. This article only reflects the findings of the author, not the National
Institute of Justice, Dr. Albanese or the reviewers. |
