Julian Heathcote Hobbins said that software piracy was a global problem which 'does not recognise national legal jurisdictions' as 'criminal activity can be conducted from nearly anywhere in the world'.

Speaking as FAST joined forces its opposite number in the US, the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), he added that while FAST and the SIIA had made significant progress in their respective countries, a lot more could be achieved  by sharing knowledge and working together on key issues.

The two groups joined forces to pursue software pirates through enhanced regulation and enforcement in the US, UK and Europe.

Commenting on the enhanced relationship between the two organisations, SIIA general counsel and VPO of intellectual property, Keith Kupferschmid, commented: ‘The partnership between SIIA and FAST can only strengthen our offering to our membership group. The global reach of the two parties will add value to our anti-piracy campaigns across the continents, which can only benefit the fight against piracy and software theft for corporations.’

Meanwhile, David Carson, the long-time general counsel of the US Copyright Office, is to join with the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), becoming its head of global policy.

Mr Carson – who has been GC at the US Copyright Office since 1997 – will replace Shira Perlmutter when he assumes the role on 24 September. The Lawyer newspaper reports that he will be based in London and will work with governments, lawmakers and international organisations to tackle a number of copyright issues, including the growing need to prevent internet users from illegally downloading music.