The major form of piracy is shifting toward compact discs rather than tape. Pirate CDs manufactured in China and Bulgaria enter the Polish market at almost the same time as legitimate product is introduced, and at much lower prices. Piratical imports from Russia, the C.I.S. and Lithuania are rising. Currently there are more than 600 pending criminal cases filed against record pirates, including manufacturers, distributors and retailers. All of these cases were initiated as state actions.
Major raids continue.
For example, in June 1996, IFPI, ZPAV and the police raided a self-contained pirate factory capable of producing 19 million cassettes per year. Prosecutors are completing their case and the factory remains closed. The biggest problem facing the U.S. recording industry has been the lack of legal protection for U.S. sound recordings. It is essential that the Polish Government clarify its government s interpretation of this important issue. Motion Pictures Video piracy in Poland remains a priority concern.