Estimated losses due to motion picture piracy are not available. Computer Programs Guatemala has yet to amend its antiquated 1954 copyright law to protect computer software, despite the introduction of copyright legislation almost two years ago. Guatemala's failure to recognize the significance of software copyright protection has significantly hindered investment by U.S. software companies and completely stifled the development of a potentially important domestic software industry. Unfortunately, due to widespread and unchecked piracy, virtually all of Guatemala's demand for software is being supplied by pirated product. Books Books are pirated in Guatemala by unauthorized photocopying and commercial piracy.
Medical texts are a favorite target.
The methodology used to estimate these losses has improved and the 1996 estimate offers a more accurate depiction of the scope of the piracy problem in Guatemala. Although the industry continues to take many actions, the Government does not have a central plan, nor an activist attitude, toward fighting piracy. Almost two years ago, the Guatemalan Government introduced a copyright bill, which, although defective in certain respects, would modernize Guatemala s antiquated 1954 Copyright Statute. In the fall of 1996, Guatemalan officials told USTR that the draft copyright bill had not been significantly amended since 1995. Apparently, for almost two years, this important legislation has remained dormant before a legislative committee.