Arrr, Matey, Hand Over That Disk

Los Angeles, down and out from the recession, is at the top of the heap in at least one regard: software piracy.

The Software Publishers Assn., a trade group that makes sure computer software publishers get the royalties due them, said the City of Angels led the pack in the year ended June 30, with 34 cases wrapped up against manufacturers, retailers and other pilferers. New York City was second and San Francisco third.

California was No. 1 among states, with 352 piracy cases since 1990, well ahead of second-place Texas, with 134.

Ken Wasch, the group’s executive director, says software thievery is declining as big companies get the message that it’s wrong to steal. But the group has steered clear of launching raids into homes.

“When we do that,” Wasch said, “we’ll enter into an agreement with the mattress police.”