Landmark result in crackdown on copyright violations in the UAE

Both had been arrested during a police raid, where they were readying to sell 3 computers all loaded will unlicensed software; 72 counterfeit CDs were also found on the premises. The Court of First Instance has also confiscated the counterfeit software and transferred the file to the Prosecutor's office for appropriate action.

The Arabian Anti Piracy Alliance hailed this judgment as a landmark in the fight against copyright violations in the United Arab Emirates.

"We applaud the Court of First Instance for this order," said Scott Butler, Chief Executive Officer of the Arabian Anti Piracy Alliance, "The facts are clear: these resellers decided to ignore the law and the government's advice to deal only in legal products. So it is normal that they serve the penalties dictated by the UAE's copyright laws"

The United Arab Emirates has one of the best track records in the Middle East in terms of copyright protection. The country's intellectual property law was passed in 1992, and has been amended since, in order to keep up with technological and economic developments. The last amendment dated July 2002 was welcomed by international and local companies as yet more proof of the UAE government's commitment to protecting investors and strengthen the framework for ongoing economical development.

"This is a great opportunity for us to remind all those who are still dealing illegally in copyrighted material that these actions do not go unpunished. The UAE authorities are vigilant and they are intent on upholding the law and prosecuting those who break it," concluded Butler.