How does intellectual piracy affect businesses and creators?

The impact of intellectual piracy on businesses and creators is severe. For companies, piracy can erode revenue streams, weaken brand value, and result in market share losses as counterfeit or pirated versions undercut original products. For individual creators, piracy often means loss of recognition, income, and control over how their work is used. Beyond financial harm, intellectual piracy discourages innovation and creativity because creators may feel their efforts will not be protected or rewarded. In some cases, pirated software or digital assets also expose users to malware and cybersecurity threats, compounding the damage for businesses and consumers alike.