Piracy and Counterfeit
Overview
On the streets of any large city, you will find vendors selling knockoffs of expensive brands, from watches to handbags. Most people who pick up a bargain from a street vendor know that the “brand-name” product they’re buying is not the real thing. However, many consumers are unaware that some of the products they buy—including DVDs—are actually pirated. Piracy and counterfeit are issues with enormous legal, economic and human consequences.
Directions
For this Project, you will research the issues of counterfeit and piracy and write an argumentative essay that incorporates information from at least three different sources. In preparation for your essay:
- review the concepts of counterfeit, piracy, intellectual property, licensing, trademark and copyright. Make sure you understand the types of products that are most commonly counterfeited and pirated, and why. Think about the consequences of counterfeit and piracy and the people who are affected.
- choose one of these three topics to explore:
- Software and/or media (CDs, DVDs)
- Fashion and luxury goods
- Pharmaceuticals
Next, write an argumentative essay about counterfeit and piracy. In your essay, be sure to:
- make an argument either for or against counterfeiting and piracy as they relate to your chosen topic.
- include a clear thesis statement in your first paragraph. See the Project resources for tips on writing one.
- explain the concepts of counterfeit, piracy, intellectual property, licensing, trademark and copyright in your own words.
- explain how these concepts relate to the topic you have chosen.
- support your argument by including and explaining relevant statistics and/or examples.
- discuss the economic, social, legal and health (if applicable) issues surrounding your chosen topic.
- address the moral and ethical implications associated with your chosen topic.
- articulate a likely counterargument (what someone arguing against your position might say) and the points someone might make to support it.
- explain any flaws or inconsistencies within the counterargument.
It is essential that your essay:
- is written in your own words.
- includes an appropriate title.
- incorporates information from at least three different sources.
- includes citations in APA format that identify your sources, as well as a reference page.
- is at least 1,000 words long.
