BSA signs anti-piracy MOU with Kuwait Ministry of Commerce

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.