BSA signs anti-piracy MOU with Kuwait Ministry of Commerce
Agreement to implement comprehensive ad and media campaign across
Kuwaiti media outlets
Business Software Alliance (BSA), the international association formed by the
software industry to promote a safe and legal digital world, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry in a move aimed at intensifying anti-piracy initiatives in the country.
Under the terms of the MOU, both parties will jointly launch a major anti-piracy
advertising and media campaign across Kuwait. Jawad Al Redha, Co-Chairman of BSA
Middle East IPR Manager of Micrsoft's Gulf operations, explained the provisions of
the MOU and the mechanics of the media campaign with H.E. Rasha Al-Sabah.,
Intellectual Property Rights Manager of Kuwait.
"The Kuwaiti Ministry of Commerce and Industry is pleased to collaborate with BSA
and its partners such as Microsoft in conducting a comprehensive program that aims
to enhance awareness about the detrimental effects of piracy. It is our mandate to
protect our economy and the society at large, thus we will not waver in our efforts
and continue to develop new programs and sustain partnerships geared towards
curtailing the proliferation of software piracy," said H.E. Rasha Al-Sabah., IPR
Manager, Kuwait.
"Our joint campaign with BSA to launch the ad and media campaign will create a
significant impact in our existing public awareness program, and is likewise aimed
at improving the image of Kuwait as a leading figure in the global campaign against
piracy. The Ministry greatly appreciates BSA's support and concern for the security
and development of Kuwait's IT industry," added H.E. Rasha Al-Sabah.
Jawad Al Redha, Microsoft's IPR Manager in the Gulf region and BSA Co-Chairman in
the Middle East, commented: "we offer all necessary support we can extend to prevent
the spread of piracy in the Arab World. We will share technical information,
technology and even provide vital leads for enforcement agencies as part of our
collaboration with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Commerce and Industry."
"Moreover, our cooperation with our Kuwaiti counterparts is part of a greater
region-wide movement to enhance awareness of issues related to intellectual property
rights and their significant implications on the development of the region's rapidly
expanding economy," added Al Redha.
The MOU initiates an advertising and media campaign that aim to reach out to as many
individuals and organisations in the country as possible. The campaign will
reinforce the country's existing anti-piracy program, which has been expanded to
include stiffer penalties and a more intensified country-wide enforcement and
awareness campaign.
Additionally, the MOU seeks to promote Kuwait as an important regional IT investment
destination and attract key business organisations and international investors to
the country. The country's strong IT potential has been affirmed by a recent IDC
study, which revealed that decreasing Kuwait's piracy rate by at least 10 percentage
points could potentially add around USD 350 million to the national economy,
including USD 219 million in local revenues and USD 1 million in taxes.
BSA has been a prominent figure in global efforts against cyber crime, with
particular focus on extensive public awareness. Established in 1988, BSA has
programs in more than 80 countries worldwide, including the Middle East, where it
has intensified its efforts in view of the unprecedented growth of the region's IT
sector.
