In a bid to encourage consumers to stand against piracy, protect intellectual property, and support the local book publishing industry, Rex Education launched its anti-piracy campaign at the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) 2022.
“After more than 70 years in the publishing industry, I can say that I am proud of the contribution and impact that every REX book has had in the lives of our learners. And we at REX would like to keep serving the Filipino learner through our learning materials—may it be printed, audio, or digital form,” said Rex Education chairman Dominador Buhain.
“Through this anti-piracy campaign, we can keep the book industry flourishing and thriving. We can keep the passing of knowledge a sacred endeavor,” he added.
Educational book publishing is protected by the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. Under the law, the unauthorized reproduction and distribution of books, audiobooks, and other printed or digital learning materials is illegal and punishable by imprisonment and fines of up to P 1.5 million.
However, piracy remains widespread in the country. According to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), it recorded a 25 percent increase in piracy reports from consumers and complaints from rights holders last year compared to reports in 2020.
General and educational books and e-books accounted for 49 percent of the reported cases of piracy, suggesting that many learning materials are still being downloaded and distributed illegally despite the rise of legitimate e-commerce shops and the availability of ebooks and audiobooks.
Rex Education launched its anti-piracy campaign to continue educating Filipinos about the damaging effects of piracy on authors and publishers. The movement aims to protect the hard work and talent of creators, and ultimately create a ripple effect in strengthening respect for published materials to keep the publishing industry thriving.
“Time, effort, money, and hard work go into every book that comes out of Rex’s printing house. Hundreds of authors and thousands of employees are sustained by the learning materials we produce. Piracy is a crime. Piracy is disrespectful to authors, editors, artists, and the publishing industry as a whole,” said Jeanne Tordesillas, chief marketing officer of Rex Education.
With the call “No to book piracy, protect intellectual property, respect creativity,” Rex members and volunteers staged a rally around the venue of the MIBF 2022 with placards, t-shirts, and flyers.
“We would like to keep providing authors an avenue to share their talents and pass on their knowledge to the next generation. We would like to keep providing jobs to our employees and workers of the publishing industry, most especially during these trying times. We want to teach the culture of discipline and respect to the next generation, so they value what goes into every book that passes through their hands,” Buhain said.
“We invite you to join us. Support the local publishing industry. Say no to piracy,” he added.
Join Rex Education in saying “no” to book piracy and “yes” to protecting creativity and intellectual property. Buy from legitimate sources and buy original. Watch and share the “Proud Ako” anti-piracy campaign video launched at the MIBF 2022, showcasing the hard work that goes behind every published book and learning material produced by REX.
To support Rex Education and its efforts to protect the publishing industry, visit www.rex.com.ph.