Digital piracy is a growing and pervasive problem on the internet. Using the seeming anonymity of the web, owners of illegitimate online businesses illegally sell copyrighted eBooks, test banks and solutions manuals to consumers, denying the creators of these products the lawful right to their own content and the benefits of their talent and investment.
These illegal online bookstores often rely on online advertising platforms to provide a false sense of legitimacy to these products. And online shoppers often fall victim because the pirated products are sold at too-good-to-be-true prices. Consumers are typically unaware that the eBooks they are purchasing are pirated and illegal.
Textbook piracy is a widespread problem because of the ease by which individuals around the world can sell products to consumers using well-known web design tools, payment processors and hosting services. These pirates are often adept at circumventing digital security tools used to protect authorized digital versions of copyrighted content. These individuals continue to apply their nefarious skills to circumvent the newest tools put in place to stop them.
Publishers worldwide work both collectively and individually to protect the rights to their content, using various enforcement tools from takedown requests to cease and desist letters and, if need be, litigation. This website provides more information regarding these anti-counterfeit and anti-piracy efforts and recommended best practices. Publishers encourage readers to join in the fight with us to stop counterfeiting and piracy in education.