What is intellectual piracy and why is it a growing concern?

Intellectual piracy refers to the unauthorized use, distribution, or reproduction of creative works, software, digital assets, and proprietary content without the consent of the rightful owner. This includes movies, music, books, software, designs, patents, and trademarks. With digitalization, intellectual piracy has become easier and more widespread, as pirated copies can be distributed globally within seconds through illegal websites, peer-to-peer sharing, and unauthorized streaming platforms. The concern is not just financial losses but also reputational damage, job losses, and reduced innovation. Protecting intellectual property (IP) is essential for sustaining creative industries and ensuring that innovators receive fair value for their work.