“The Business Software Alliance (BSA), applauds the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government’s move to update and further improve the country’s already effective Copyright Law to ensure that intellectual property right holders are protected ,” said Jawad Al-Redha, BSA regional director. “This new copyright law confirms the UAE as the region’s standard bearer of intellectual property rights.”
“The UAE has amended its copyright law and further improved the way copyright holders are protected. The new law confirms the UAE as the region’s standard bearer of intellectual property rights,” said Al-Redha.
The BSA’s reaction came after the announcement of the new Federal Copyright Law, No.7, for the protection of the rights of creators and related persons which increases the period of copyright protection and re-emphasizes the requirement for a license for using copyrighted works including such works as software, books, audio and video.
According to Chapter 7 of the new law, those who are caught manufacturing or importing pirated works for either sale, rent, use, or circulation without permission as well as entities using software without the right holder’s permission, are in violation of the law. The law imposes penalties of prison terms and fines of no less than Dhs 10,000.
“Copyright Laws are critical for the software, music, film industry and other creative works, in addition to ensuring a successful future to any country as a respected technology center,” said Al-Redha. “The UAE has set a precedent in its commitment towards protecting both the investor and the consumer in its efforts to nurture a healthy, successful and prosperous economy.
The regular review and revision of copyright laws sends a clear message to international companies looking at investing in the country that these laws are real and are part of an active policy to protect IP rights.”
In the latest Annual BSA global software piracy study for 2001, the United Arab Emirates recorded the region’s lowest level of software piracy for the 6th consecutive year, with a reduction of three percent to reach 41 percent.
“The government has taken another step to ensure that the UAE is recognized as a center for legitimate commerce and has made several commitments which appeal to the very heart of today’s information technology industry,” added Al-Redha.
The Business Software Alliance is an international organization representing leading software and e-commerce developers in 65 countries around the world. Established in 1988, BSA has offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
