Why are IPRs important? commit video game piracy, sell modchips that enable pirated The value of a game is usually in games to be played, or use the its IPRs. Without having the correct publisher’s registered trade marks IPR protection in place, it might or unregistered rights or business/ be difficult to stop third parties product/brand names. producing a similar game, or the value of your business or game (and Successful claims brought against therefore your ability to attract such actions will likely result in investment and/or sell to a third a court order that stops third party) might be affected. Similarly, parties from continuing such unless care is taken to ensure that acts and infringing the IPRs in you can use particular IPRs, a game question, requiring them to pay may inadvertently infringe someone compensation. Courts might also else’s rights. be able to order ISPs to block access to websites which offer Third party infringements infringing content or products. Third party infringement of IPRs can The threat of litigation is often take many forms from piracy through enough to force infringers to agree to the copying of one or more to stop committing infringing acts individual elements of a game. and to pay compensation to the publisher, especially when these Piracy acts are carried out by one or two individuals (which often Piracy is an issue routinely faced by occurs in piracy cases). publishers. IPRs provide a number of legal solutions for publishers in the Criminal investigation and fight against piracy: prosecution: IPR infringement can also be a criminal offence. Litigation: Publishers may be able Publishers can report instances to take legal action for acts of IPR of piracy to the Police Intellectual infringement, including against Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) and/ third parties who encourage or or Trading Standards. It’s also 122