Copyright meets branding in this story from the BBC. Big brands such as NatWest, Renault and a whole host of phone companies are advertising their goods and services on P2P websites which facilitate the exchange of illegally downloaded music (including the delightfully named eDonkey), much to the displeasure of legitimate music downloading sites and the British Phonographic Industry. The attractions of this approach are great: purveyors of “cool” products can reach their target audience easily and via their favourite media. However, they’ve been condemned for providing monetary support to sites that make illegal downloading possible.
The IPKat says it seems that advertisers consider it to be advantageous rather than detrimental to be associated with such illegal activity. This suggests that the recording companies who oppose unofficial downloading haven’t won the hearts and minds of the public.
More electric animals here, here, here and here.
BRANDED BACKING FOR ILLEGAL DOWNLOADS
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Monday, November 15, 2004
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