Discussion Workshop

Unlicensed software

As more and more of the recording industry turns to software solutions for much of its everyday work, the use of unlicensed, copied or 'cracked' software becomes more widespread, making its way not only into the budget recording systems of amateur and semi-pro musicians, but also into a certain number of professional producers' recording systems, commercial recording/post studios, pro audio courses, training facilities and universities.

On one hand, being part of the audio and music industries, the APRS should champion the cause of protecting intellectual property and copyright, and therefore we must condemn the practice. However, we also need to look at the underlying reasons that the practice of stealing software exists, and attempt to combat the phenomenon in more ways than the obvious legal route.

This evening will attempt to broaden our understanding of the phenomenon of unlicenced software and will look at creative ways of tackling it.

The panel for this discussion included Dave Tyler of Digidesign, Julian Hobbins of FAST (the Federation Against Software Theft) and Duncan Williams of City of Westminster College.

Read Mike Collins' report of the Workshop here >