Reinforcing its commitment to protect Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Jordanian authorities recently conducted raids on computer stores in Amman trading in pirated software. The raid resulted in the confiscation of several computers and CDs that were used to copy software illegally. The owners were charged with direct breach of copyright and IPR laws, and the case has been forwarded to the relevant authorities.
Mamoun Talhouni, Director General, Department of the National Library, said, “The Department of National Library calls upon the various bodies in the country to combat piracy activities, which are hurting all Intellectual Property products. We urge individuals and organizations whose Intellectual Property Rights have been violated to lodge a complaint with the Department of National Library, so we can take the necessary legal measures to stop these illegal activities and bring the offenders to book. The cooperation between BSA and the Department is a an ideal example of collaborative efforts against software piracy, and we are looking to enter into similar partnerships in other Intellectual Property spheres to protect the Jordanian society and the national economy from the threat of piracy.”
The raids were conducted by the personnel of the Department of the National Library in cooperation with Business Software Alliance (BSA), the foremost organization dedicated to promoting a safe and legal digital world. BSA had tipped off the authorities about the breach of IPR laws by the computer stores.
Aly Harakeh, BSA spokesperson in the Eastern Mediterranean region said, “The sustained anti-piracy campaign by the local authorities demonstrates Jordan’s commitment to safeguarding Intellectual Property Rights in the country. BSA will continue to work closely with the concerned authorities in Jordan to stop the practice of illegal software trade and prevent violations of the Jordanian IPR law - enacted in 1992.”
“BSA will strengthen its cooperation with the Department of National Library to widen the scope of awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public about the detrimental impact of software piracy. We are also coordinating with various local organizations and professional associations to limit the threat of piracy, which slows down the economic development of the Kingdom,” Harakeh added.
Past cooperation between the Department of the National Library and the Business Software Alliance led to landmark verdicts by the Jordanian courts including a three-year jail sentence, heavy fines and confiscation of pirated software and equipment.
Harakeh commended on the efforts of the Department of National Library and, in particular that of Mamoun Talhouni and his team. He also expressed his gratitude to the law enforcement authorities in the Kingdom for their cooperation in setting up a strategic plan to ensure protection of Intellectual Property Rights.
