NNG’s cooperation with “Vlasta Consulting”, the company’s official anti-piracy partner in Russia since the end of 2012, has generated significant results. During this time, “Vlasta Consulting” has tracked more than 10,000 Russian links which offer downloads of hacked iGO Navigation software. 8,100 have successfully been removed, with the remaining ones in progress toward closure. Russia’s largest torrent tracker was completely cleaned of links to pirated versions of NNG’s software. The second largest torrent website is cooperating with “Vlasta Consulting” to clear the page of any iGO Navigation downloads.
“The fight against software piracy takes high priority on our list of actions in Russia,” says David Wiernik, President of NNG LLC. “Our goal is to stop everyone who capitalizes on our technology and damages our reputation. We take violators to court, and have so far won all cases.”
22 online stores offering installation services of unauthorized iGO Navigation copies have been identified, 6 of which are already closed. As part of NNG’s national anti-piracy campaign, more than 1,000 retail outlets were checked. Information about those that sell pirated iGO Navigation software was transferred to law enforcement authorities. In cooperation with police, the agency “Vlasta Consulting” held 5 raids.
“From what we see, the PND segment is the worst affected in Russia. Personal Navigation Devices account for 99% of all detected counterfeit iGO Navigation products,” said Vladimir Solomanidin, General Director at Vlasta-Consulting LLC. “The most popular iGO Navigation product among pirates is iGO primo. Our cooperation with the local police is constantly improving; we provide them with the relevant information and train them how to identify pirated software.”
The distribution of fake software not only weakens the business of the rightful brand owners, but also consumers. No matter if they use hacked software deliberately or accidentally, the results: facing crashes, missing the latest features and functionalities, suffering from unreliable output or products that don’t work at all – all significantly harm the reputation of the brand. NNG is committed to providing customers with maximum comfort and safety on the road, and continues to invest in the fight against navigation software piracy. While the company provides navigation solutions for nearly 140 countries, it collaborates with law enforcement agencies, governmental organizations, and Custom Controls in many countries.
NNG plans to further strengthen its position in the Russian navigation market in 2014 through fruitful business cooperations, while simultaneously it will continue the fight against the illegal distribution of its products.
