Pirate copies may also be produced by groups of users of the copies. For instance, students may jointly purchase teaching material in one copy for the making of several copies for themselves and other fellow students, to replace material that is intended to be purchased. In some cases, we have experienced that this form of piracy has been organised by student organisations at the institutions' premises. It should also be noted that piracy of printed works is by no means confined to the production and sale of illegal paper copies. Piracy of works in digital form is already widespread and will assume increasing importance in the future.
Internet opens up the possibility of a whole new range of piratical activities.
So far, the music industry and scientific publication have been most concerned with this development. It is, however, expanding rapidly into new sectors. For example, in many member states electronic press digests are produced and distributed online both nationally and cross-border on a commercial basis without the authorisation of the rightsholders. Such services are in direct and unfair competition both with the source material and legitimate press digests, thus threatening a disruption of the internal market. Generally, piracy of printed works cannot and should not be legitimised or licensed by RROs.