Bahrain Ministry of Information strengthens intellectual property rights campaign by cracking down on software piracy

The MOI has also begun a crackdown on companies using pirated software as Bahrain seeks to establish its credentials as a responsible information technology hub in the Middle East. Microsoft as one of BSA's members has been working closely with the Bahrain authorities to ensure the success of this raid.

During a recent raid on three computer companies, Bahraini authorities confiscated two computers and 156 pirated software products including programs such as 'Office XP', 'Windows XP', 'MacAfee Anti-virus' and 'Microsoft Adobe Photoshop'.

The Department of Press and Publication, under the leadership of Jamal Daoud, is acting according to a strategic plan aimed at alerting the businesses and citizens of Bahrain to the disadvantages of software piracy. The plan includes raising awareness about the role of genuine software in increasing returns on IT investment and the positive impact of reducing piracy rates on the national economy. "The Bahraini Ministry of Information is committed to ensure protection of the IPR laws and is exerting efforts to implements legal mechanisms aimed at ensuring their enforcement. The Ministry has been launching many initiatives and campaigns in collaboration with various concerned parties in Bahrain to promote the use of original software," said Hasan Aun, Director of the Department of Press and Publication Acting.

"These public awareness campaigns highlight the benefits of using original software, especially at the corporate level, as pirated software can reduce the performance of computers and cause errors leading to loss of important data. This campaign reflects a clear message that Bahrain is committed to providing the necessary support to curb these illegal practices," Aun added.

The Co-Chairman of an innovative software company, Business Software Alliance (BSA), Jawad Al Redha, stressed the importance of strengthening legal and commercial awareness of the problem among all economic sectors.

"Bahraini authorities realize the threat posed by software piracy operations on the economy and the investment atmosphere in the Kingdom. Countries with low piracy rates tend to attract foreign investments in the field of IT and software development, therefore, it has become crucial for authorities to take active measures to combat the issue of piracy,"

said Al Redha.

The Bahraini move comes in line with the efforts that the Bahraini government is exerting to protect its national economy through raising awareness about the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and reducing software piracy rates. This also is a clear message that the Bahraini government will step-up its anti-piracy campaign and will not tolerate the acts of piracy.

An annual study prepared by the global market intelligence firm International Data Corporation (IDC) and issued by BSA, indicated that the Kingdom of Bahrain's efforts at stamping out intellectual property rights violations have recorded a reduction in the piracy rate, which went down to 60 per cent in 2005 compared to 62 percent in 2004.