Business Software Alliance commends Kuwait initiative to highlight IPR

"Kuwait's commitment to IPR has been reflected in the implementation of the Copyright Law and the consistent effort to generate awareness of copyright issues since early 2000," said Jawad Al-Redha, Director, Middle East, BSA. "This seminar further reinforces Kuwait's image as a state that is keen to tackle these issues through awareness campaigns targeted at the IT industry and the public. We are therefore extremely delighted to be part of this important awareness drive that will explore the copyright angle from different perspectives and suggest appropriate remedies."

BSA will share its global experience in tackling software piracy and the measures taken by different governments in handling the issue of intellectual property rights, with a special reference to Kuwait. Senior representatives from Kuwait's business community and IT industry are expected to attend the seminar.

"The Business Software Alliance (BSA) is proud to be part of this seminar. As the voice of the regional and global software industry, BSA is actively involved in helping governments and consumers understand how authentic and original software strengthens the economy. BSA's commitment to IPR is also evident from its effort to educate computer users on software copyrights. We are aware that education and increasing consumer awareness is the key to avoiding the use of illegal software at all levels of society and it is for this reason that we strongly support such seminars and awareness programs," Al Redha added.

He lauded the Arabic Software industry in Kuwait emphasizing that the country had successfully positioned itself as a leader in the development of Arabic software with several key names having established their base in Kuwait.

"We believe that this seminar will be of particular benefit to this valued group of programmers who are major contributors to the Arabic software industry. Our Intellectual Property Rights campaign has begun to yield good results, thanks to the cooperation and dedication of the Government of Kuwait. We are evaluating how we can best legislate and implement our own copyright laws to protect our software industry. Our focus on IPR issues and the reassurance that authoritative bodies will work towards the enforcement of copyright laws, has also encouraged the extensive talent pool of Arabic software programmers in Kuwait to develop new and innovative software," he added.

At the seminar the BSA is expected to detail the various services offered by itself with the objective of highlighting IPR issues. It will also lay great emphasis on awareness programs, which will ensure that the business community in Kuwait is kept updated on the disadvantages of using illegal software.

"As an organization that looks after the interests of the world's leading software companies, BSA is always on the lookout for platforms that will allow us to educate the trade and the people on IPR issues. We are grateful for the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry for giving us an opportunity to highlight this important subject that can bring numerous benefits to governments across the globe and allow the IT industry to prosper, leading to the overall growth of the economy," Al Redha added.