MEXICO TO FIGHT PIRACY
By Adnews Staff
Mexican marketers plan to form an anti-piracy trade group early next year to step up the fight against pirated and counterfeit goods. Clothing manufacturer Levi Strauss and Microsoft Corp. are leading the effort to create the Alliance Against Piracy. Companies interested in joining the group include Reebok, Nike, Gillette and Videovisa, which is Mexico's largest video distributor and retailer. Other members will include the Mexican recorded music association and perfume makers. It is estimated that 80% of all software in Mexico is pirated or illegally copied, while video companies says their piracy rate is at least 50%. When it comes to music tapes, the piracy rate climbs as high as 90%. The alliance may launch an ad campaign to raise public awareness of the issue to combat public ignorance and indifference.