piracy

Piracy is robbery or violent crime at sea, typically targeting merchant vessels, crews, or cargo. In international law, maritime piracy occurs on the high seas or beyond national jurisdiction, and it is distinct from crimes aboard a ship within territorial waters. The term also covers non-maritime forms, notably unauthorized copying and distribution of copyrighted works, known as IP piracy.

Maritime piracy typically involves armed robberies, boarding, and seizures of crew or cargo. Hotspots include parts of the western Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Guinea, and parts of Southeast Asia. Attacks often employ small craft and ladders; perpetrators may take hostages for ransom. Impacts include crew injury or death, increased insurance costs, disruption of trade, and higher operating expenses for shipping.

International law addresses piracy under UNCLOS (1982), which defines piracy as acts of violence or depredation committed for private ends on the high seas. Because piracy can fall outside a single state's jurisdiction, multiple states cooperate through naval patrols and regional agreements. Countermeasures include ship hardening, evasive routing, best management practices, legal prosecution of suspects, and measures to address underlying economic factors that fuel piracy.

Intellectual property piracy refers to unauthorized copying, distribution, or use of protected works, including software, music, film, and books. It is prosecuted under IP laws and can be pursued across borders. Remedies include copyright enforcement, digital rights management, licensing, and public awareness, though enforcement varies by country and technology.

Historically, piracy flourished during the Golden Age in the Caribbean and Atlantic in the 17th and 18th centuries, fueled by maritime trade and weak colonial authority. Modern piracy remains a concern but has evolved with countermeasures, international patrols, and a broader legal framework that addresses both maritime threats and the protection of intellectual property.