Microsoft Gulf teams up with Qatar's Ministry of Economy to conduct anti-piracy raids on retailers

In its capacity as a member of the Business Software Alliance (BSA), the international association established by the software industry to promote a safe and legal digital world, Microsoft collaborated with Qatar enforcement agents to track down and raid the two resellers.

The raids resulted in the confiscation of two personal computers loaded with Windows XP, Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and Auto CAD.

In addition, 150 CDs containing illegally copied versions of Windows Vista, Adobe and Microsoft Office were seized during the raids.

Abdulla Ahmed Qayed, Head of Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Office-Commercial Affairs Department, Ministry of Economy in Qatar, said, "Safeguarding intellectual property rights has been high on the agenda for the Ministry, and we are pleased to coordinate with BSA and Microsoft in their anti-piracy initiatives. The economic implications of software piracy could severely impede the progress of a country, which is why we are committed to adopt stringent measures to curtail this menace".

"Microsoft, BSA and the Qatar Ministry of Economy and Commerce have been working closely to crackdown software piracy in the country. Our joint efforts are proving extremely fruitful, especially after the recent memorandum of understanding signed between BSA and the Ministry. We are confident that our sustained campaign, involving the private and public sectors, will have a major impact in curbing software piracy in Qatar, while contributing to the creation of a healthy environment for business and foreign investment," said Jawad Al Redha, BSA Co-Chairman in the Middle East.

As one of the top performing regional country's in the fight against piracy, which has delivered considerable economic impact in view of the enormous growth of its IT sector.

In a recent Madar Research report, Qatar's IT infrastructure was recognised as the best in the Middle East based on the World Bank Knowledge Economy Index.

The latest raids in Qatar are among several anti-piracy raids initiated by Microsoft, in cooperation with BSA and various government authorities all over the Gulf.

The series of raids are part of Microsoft's intensified strategy against software piracy in the GCC, as it considers the region as one of its most important high-growth markets.