Business Software Alliance kicks off 2008 with new rounds of Gulf-wide awareness campaigns

It is part of a series of initiatives that encourage authorities in the region to protect their economies from the harmful effects of software piracy.

According to a recent IDC study, decreasing Kuwait's piracy by 10% points could potentially add nearly $350m to the economy, including $219m worth of local industry revenues and $1m in taxes.

"Kuwait is bolstering its reputation as a major player in Gulf ICT industry; thus it is imperative that we continue to improve our strong performance against software piracy. Our collaboration with BSA has been hugely successful, particularly in legal, strategic and economic terms. As such, the committee for IPR protection is eager to sustain this relationship through several highly targeted activities such as the recently concluded Judicial Round Table,"

said Advocate Anadel Al Matar, IPR Committee Chairman, Kuwaiti Lawyers Association.

Jawad Al Redha, Co-Chairman, BSA Middle East, commented: "Kuwait's enormous economic potential can be significantly enhanced by reducing the prevalence of illegal software; which currently denies the country millions of dollars in revenues. Moreover, having a safe and legal digital environment promotes investor confidence, driving fresh revenues for the national economy. BSA will continue to support Kuwait in its initiatives and help the country further enhance its anti-piracy activities."

Key recommendations proposed at the Kuwait Judicial Round Table included plans to impose stiffer penalties and conduct more aggressive enforcement initiatives against illegal resellers across the country, as well as to hold regular Round Tables with regional judiciary and media.

The meeting also recommended additional awareness and education campaigns throughout the region to educate and inform different segments about the detrimental effects of software piracy; as well as a possible review of software prices, and more focuses on a novel approach to IPR awareness, such as a world IP day throughout the Middle East.

The Kuwait Judicial Round Table also served as a venue to encourage the public sector to lead by example and strictly implement the use of legal software in all government departments. Also tackled were different ways to collaborate with other countries in view of the cross-border operations being conducted by software piracy syndicates.

"The recommendations revolve around prioritising IPR in the Arab World, based on innovative techniques such as using local spokespersons to represent local stakeholders; ensuring that there is a unified IPR contact point or reference in all Arab countries; and appointing an IPR Ambassador. By re-evaluating and streamlining our methods and goals, we will be better equipped to effectively tackle software piracy from the roots up," Al Redha added.

BSA has been leading global efforts against cyber criminality through initiatives that focus on educating consumers and providing much-needed assistance in conducting anti-piracy enforcement activities. Established in 1988, BSA has programs in more than 80 countries worldwide, including the Middle East where the IT sector has been posting a record growth.