Authorities in Kuwait have launched a crack down in the trade of illegal software by raiding two computer stores and seizing two personal computers loaded with pirated software. The Government of Kuwait in recent years enacted various measures to uphold Intellectual Property Rights in the country, and has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a safe and legal digital society in the country.
Qannas Al Adwani, Director of Publications, Ministry of Information, Kuwait, said, “The Kuwaiti Government has enacted various legal diktats that are directly linked to reducing software piracy in the country. Kuwait recognizes the importance of protecting IPR as it brings several tangible benefits towards the development and economic progress of the country.”
“The raids were conducted with the full co-operation between Kuwaiti Authorities and the Arabian Anti Piracy Association. The Government of Kuwait remains committed to the protection of IPR in the country and will continue its cooperation with various bodies and organisations from the private and public sector to protect the software copyright laws and enforce them to ensure the establishment of safe and legal digitally inclusive society in the region,” he added.
Scott Butler CEO, AAA, said: “The raids in Kuwait signal the significant step taken by the country towards protecting IPR laws and limiting the trade and use of pirated software. The campaign against software piracy is an ongoing process which requires education of the stakeholders and users and appropriate legal enforcement framework from the government authorities. The campaign has so far been successful as many governments are realising the positive impact the reduction of software piracy can have on the economic growth plans in the region. Blatant breach of IPR is a major obstacle in the face of economic growth in the region and around the world.”
Most of the countries are realising the importance of enforcing Intellectual property rights laws as concerned authorities in the GCC are raising awareness about this issue and the importance of adopting licensed software which will lead to an increase in foreign direct investment (FDI).
“Protection of IPR is no more a choice for nations. It has become a very important point to enrol in the new world economy,” Butler added. “Nations with high piracy rates are suffering losses in terms of employment opportunities, economic stagnation and dwindling foreign investment. Many software companies are opting out to operate in countries with high piracy rates. The Kuwait Authorities play a major role in the field of IPR by adopting strict laws to protect copyright and publishing rights.”
According to the latest study by IDC, Kuwait's emerging IT sector has now grown into a US$ 430 million industry. Reducing Kuwait's 68 per cent piracy rate by 10 percentage points would help the sector double its size to become US$ 830 million by 2009.
