March 21, 2017

Top 20 Countries for Software Piracy and License Misuse (2017)

Global Piracy Piracy Statistics Compliance Analytics Compliance

We analyzed aggregated Revulytics Compliance Intelligence data (the number of unique machines using unpaid software) as of March 2017 to identify the Top 20 countries using pirated or unlicensed software: 

Rank Country Change in Rank Since 2015
1 China (no change)
2 United States ↑1
3 Iran ↑1
4 Russia ↓2
5 India (no change)
6 Vietnam (no change)
7 Italy ↑1
8 Germany ↓1
9 Turkey ↑1
10 Korea ↑4
11 Brazil ↓2
12 France ↓1
13 United Kingdom ↑4
14 Indonesia ↑1
15 Pakistan ↑4
16 Taiwan ↓4
17 Ukraine ↓4
18 Spain (no change)
19 Mexico ↓3
20 Algeria (new)

Drilling down into the data reveals some interesting observations:

  • The United States rose to #2 on our list, but the actual commercial value of unlicensed software in the U.S. ($9,095M) is higher than China (#1 with a commercial value of $8,657M) according to the BSA’s 2016 Global Software Survey.
  • Five EU countries are represented in the Top 20 (with two in the Top 10)
  • North America and the EU represent strong opportunities to convert unlicensed use to paying customers
  • All BRIC countries are represented in the Top 20
  • Iran’s move up to #3 is likely the result of easing of sanctions in January 2016 and the appearance of new Iran-based piracy portals in 2016
  • Russia’s move down to #4 suggests an impact of President Vladimir Putin’s calls for more digital sovereignty

 Revulytics 2017 Software Piracy Statistics

For more insight into these numbers, be sure to watch our recent webinar on 2016 Software Piracy and License Compliance Stats and Trends.

Watch Now: Show Me the Data! 2016 Software Piracy and License Compliance Stats and Trends

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Michael Goff

Post written by Michael Goff

Marketing Director at Revulytics
Michael is Marketing Director at Revulytics where he is responsible for corporate marketing, content, and social media. He has helped to educate the industry on the benefits of software usage analytics for compliance and product management through the company's blog and contributed articles in trade publications. Michael was previously a marketing programs manager at The MathWorks and principal at Goff Communications. Michael earned a J.D. from Boston University School of Law and a B.A. from Colgate University.
Najeeb Khan
This tells half a story. If they simply have no licences, or they buy 2 and use 10. What about those on cloud subscription but have found work rounds to trick the taxi meter. Very different scenario. With any stat it's hard to paint the complete picture. Its hard to believe Iran has suddenly jumped to this position. Check out the number of PC's and the internet penetration. Does not quite add up? More importantly is their ability to purchase, then you have a meaningful datum point from which to begin any Licence Compliance program.
Peter Joseph
Najeeb – thanks for your comment! Keep in mind that the Top 20 list is based on aggregated Revulytics Compliance Intelligence data (reporting of the actual use of unlicensed or pirated software across our customer base). While the BSA Global Software Study does look at factors like the number of PCs (and applications installed) to arrive at its rate of unlicensed software, it only gives software vendors a big picture estimate of piracy at the country level. Our Top 20 list reflects our customers’ (unpaid) install base, but the bigger benefit to customers is the ability to not only see geographic trends within their own install base, but the ability to drill down and identify infringers and create compliance conversion opportunities. Najeeb, let me know if this is a topic you would like to discuss further.

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