UAE Ministry of Economy conducts awareness-raising visits to companies to ensure legitimacy of software used

(prHWY.com) November 25, 2012 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates -- 25 November, 2012
The UAE Ministry of Economy has recently conducted a series of visits to several companies in the UAE to ensure the legitimacy of software they use and create greater awareness about the need to use licensed software. This campaign is part of the Ministry's continuing efforts to curb software piracy, protect consumers and uphold the intellectual property rights (IPR) law of the country. The Ministry also pointed out that based on its ongoing campaign, it expects to witness a marked decline in the number of companies using pirated and unlicensed software over the coming months, although it also reiterated the need to sustain anti-piracy efforts to maintain the UAE's reputation as the leading anti-piracy advocate in the Middle East.

The Ministry of Economy's continuing campaign to protect IPR aims to communicate a clear message to businesses across all industries about the UAE's zero-tolerance policy on software piracy, as well as to communicate the value of using genuine software products. The Ministry's campaign will boost awareness about the value of licensed software and the penalties for infringements on IPR laws, especially for repeat offenders who will face major consequences. According to the UAE Federal Law No.7 of 2002 concerning copyright, management of organizations that use illegal software can face criminal prosecution. In the Middle East, the UAE is a leading entity in implementing anti-piracy laws, having consistently registered the lowest software piracy rate among Arab countries.

H.E. Mohammed Al Shihi, Undersecretary, UAE Ministry of Economy, said: "It is very important to continue to step up our anti-piracy efforts as this is crucial in sustaining the growth of the national economy. The Ministry is keen to increase awareness among companies and individuals about software piracy, the consequences of using unlicensed software and the benefits of always purchasing genuine products. We are therefore constantly in touch with our allies to develop strategies that allow us to achieve our goals. Our collaboration has generated very positive results as we have previously conducted raids against piracy syndicates and businesses that continue to use pirated and unlicensed software."

Ola Khudair, Executive Vice President of the Arabian Anti-Piracy Alliance said: "We commend the Ministry of Economy for taking the lead in efforts to limit companies' use of pirated software. The authorities should also act proactively in dealing with all kinds of piracy, which will reflect positively on stakeholders, who benefit from mutual cooperation. Copyright protection is essential for achieving sustainable economic growth and social development. Government efforts are a positive step towards achieving further development in the UAE, and the Arabian Anti-Piracy Alliance will continue its efforts to reduce piracy in the UAE by intensifying awareness campaigns and initiatives aimed at protecting intellectual property rights."

"The raids and campaigns against software piracy send a clear message to all companies and businesses that the Government will take strict action against violators of intellectual property rights in UAE. The Ministry works in close cooperation and coordination with Arabian Anti-Piracy Alliance, Business Software Alliance as well as other economic departments and authorities in the UAE, to carry out inspection campaigns and large-scale raids. Such activities are aimed at combating software piracy at various levels, thus promoting confidence in the local market and developing a culture of research and development. These campaigns will definitely play an important role in promoting creativity and innovation in society, which in turn contributes to economic development in the UAE in general," concluded Al Shihi.

Al Shihi stressed the Ministry's keenness to remove obstacles and challenges associated with piracy infringements through full compliance with legal frameworks. He highlighted that compliance is essential to maintain the competitiveness of the national economy and enhance the UAE's position on the global confidence map.

The Ministry will continue efforts in cooperation with other government departments by activating the Intellectual Property Protection Act, the Authors' Rights Act, the Neighboring Rights Act and the Trademark Protection Act, among others.

###