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Global Software Piracy, Technology and Property Rights Institutions

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  • Simplice A. Asongu

    (University of South Africa)

Abstract

This study extends the literature on fighting software piracy by investigating how Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) regimes interact with technology to mitigate software piracy when existing levels of piracy are considered. Two technology metrics (internet penetration rate and number of PC users) and six IPR mechanisms (constitution, IPR law, main IP laws, WIPO Treaties, bilateral treaties and multilateral treaties) are used in the empirical analysis. The statistical evidence is based on (i) a panel of 99 countries for the period 1994–2010 and (ii) interactive contemporary and non-contemporary quantile regressions. The findings show that the relevance of IPR channels in the fight against software piracy is noticeably contingent on the existing levels of technology embodied in the pirated software. There is a twofold policy interest for involving modern estimation techniques such as interactive quantile regressions. First, it uncovers that the impact of IPR systems on software piracy may differ depending on the nature of technologies used. Second, the success of initiatives to combat software piracy is contingent on existing levels of the piracy problem. Therefore, policies should be designed differently across nations with high, intermediate and low levels of software piracy.

Suggested Citation

  • Simplice A. Asongu, 2021. "Global Software Piracy, Technology and Property Rights Institutions," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 12(3), pages 1036-1063, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jknowl:v:12:y:2021:i:3:d:10.1007_s13132-020-00653-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s13132-020-00653-1
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    1. Ha Thi-Thu Le & Trang Thi-Dai Luong & Trang Thi Thu Nguyen & Duy Van Nguyen, 2023. "Determinants of Intellectual Property Rights Protection in Asian Developing Countries," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 14(4), pages 4780-4806, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Piracy; Business software; Software piracy; Intellectual Property Rights;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F42 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - International Policy Coordination and Transmission
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • O34 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Intellectual Property and Intellectual Capital
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy
    • O57 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Comparative Studies of Countries

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