Questions:

1. Collectivism and individualism, democracy and totalitarianism, rule of law and rule of man:
What do these concepts say about IPRs and the legitimacy of protection?

The primacy of the culture, or collectivism, is linked to the size and importance of a society's
population. The welfare of the group takes precedence over the welfare of individuals in this
form of society. Intellectual property, or the possession of the copyright to a tangible or
intangible object, is not sacred in such cultures. Instead, the society comes first, and intellectual
property created by organizations or individuals is infringed upon. Copyright laws and
intellectual property rights are respected in communities where people are valued more than
the society. Intellectual property rights are legally protected in this form of society.

The democratic system is the product of thousands of years of human development. Both
members of the community engage in overall decision-making and work for a shared purpose in
this form of social setup. Intellectual rights are respected in a democratic society. There is a rule
of law that ensures that all people are treated equally. Inventors' designs are protected by
copyrights. Software is protected by intellectual property rights, and breaching these
intellectual property rights will result in legal action. In an authoritarian system, on the other
hand, all of the powers are centralized in the hands of a single individual who makes decisions
for the entire society and country. North Korea is an example of a country like this. Intellectual
copyrights are not secured in these societies because dictators make all of the decisions and
persuade the general public that the group's interests are more important than individual
interests. There is a tyrant who wields all authority and makes all of the decisions that
determine a nation's future.

2. What is the relationship among governments, transnational institutions, and MNEs fighting
piracy? Do they share similar or different motivations?

Computer piracy is one of the most serious problems confronting the software industry today.
Computer piracy is the use of software without paying for it or getting permission from its
creators. Digital piracy has developed into a multibillion-dollar international industry, and
countries such as India, China, and Pakistan have consistently refused to take action against
those who engage in it.

Piracy has been considered a crime in many countries and is punishable by statute.
Governments, agencies, organisations, and businesses all need to work together to combat
software piracy around the world. Various foreign business alliances, such as the Business
Software Alliance and the Software and Information Industry Association, are attempting to
persuade policymakers to take action against software pirates. These efforts have been
successful, and in 2000, 184 countries pledged for the first time to work closely with software
development companies to strengthen intellectual property and software piracy laws.

3. Can MNEs stop piracy without government help? Why would they prefer greater
government assistance? Why would they oppose it?

This, in my view, is possible up to a point. I'm referring to the software industry's ability to
create techniques and programming algorithms that will aid in the prevention of software
piracy. They will exert control over the government by lobbying for tougher software copyright
laws.

Greater legislation would be disliked by the tech industry because it would limit their freedom.
The software industry can lose its ability to innovate without constraints.

Piracy is justified by consumers in wealthy countries because it just hurts large companies. In
developing nations, however, it is seen as aiding the poor because large companies exploit
them with high prices.

4. Do you think consumers in wealthier countries versus those in poorer countries justify
piracy with similar rationalizations? Why?

I do not believe that there is a situation in which businesses and customers will agree on a
common ground in order to eliminate the viability of piracy. This is not a simple question, and
governments are active in the decision-making process. Since the problem of piracy is not
limited to a single country, businesses are unable to reach out to organizations and individuals
who profit from pirated software and reach an agreement to stop doing so.

5. Can you envision a scenario where developers and consumers of IP develop a relationship
that eliminates the profitability of piracy?

A company will deliver the product and earn money elsewhere (for example, selling advertising
space on a computer), making the item unprofitable for hackers. Brand loyalty can be a non-
piracy choice. Customers would not be enticed to buy false goods if the company succeeds in
forming a deep enough relationship with them through a powerful loyalty program.

Computer piracy is the illegal distribution of personal and business software. It also causes
issues with copyright. The evolution of music piracy. Consumers will search for music because
they believe it is illegal. Replacement technology (iTunes) has solved the problem for the music
industry, which helps both fans and businesses.
Customers are able to pay for music accessibility in 99 percent of cases. It can be determined if
it does not violate the rule. The evolution of music piracy is a great example that can be used to
spark discussion. Napster and other sites were eventually shut down for making illegal music
piracy more available. And if it is illegal, consumers can find and use what they want.

Alternative technologies, such as iTunes, was used to solve the issue, benefiting both
companies and consumers. Customers are willing to pay 99 cents for the convenience and
accessibility of an album. Alternatives to safeguard IBRs may be offered if the conditions are
right for both companies and consumers.

6. Put yourself in the place of a poor individual in a poor country struggling to improve the
quality of your life. What thoughts might shape how you interpret the legality of IPRs?

Some of the ideas that would color my perception have to do with chance. From the
perspective of developers, the ability to build and grow ideas while still having those ideas
protected is critical, and for many, it is the only way to make a living. Intellectual property rights
must be equal to consumers, and the ultimate expectation is that they will not be violated.

In addition, policies will need to be in place to ensure that other residents of the country do
not fall into poverty as a result of the efforts of others. In the end, the IPR will have to
demonstrate a degree of opportunity for those who work hard for it, as well as a way to secure
it.

After the recent global financial crisis, more people have been compelled to buy and
manufacture counterfeit goods illegally. If more is done to prevent counterfeit goods from
being manufactured, the negative effect that counterfeit products have had can be mitigated.