Microsoft continues its anti-piracy efforts in Kuwait

The raids resulted in the confiscation of pirated software CDs and personal computers (PCs) loaded with fake copies of Microsoft software.

As an active member of the Business Software Alliance (BSA), the international association established by the global software industry to promote a safe and legal digital world, Microsoft continues to educate customers and partners about the negative effects of software piracy on the local economy and to increase awareness about the risks of counterfeit to consumers using counterfeit or hacked software, such as exposure to security issues like viruses, identify or credit card theft.

By partnering with local government bodies, Microsoft has also stepped up its regional efforts to take legal steps against those who manufacture and distribute illegal software.

Sheikha Rasha Naif Al Jaber Al-Sabah, Director of IPR from the Kuwait Ministry of Commerce & Industry said:

"In addition to the impact on economies and innovation, software piracy poses very real risks to businesses and consumers. Ministry of Commerce & Industry is continuously organizing awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public about Intellectual Property Rights laws and the negative impact of using pirated software. We therefore remain committed to working with organizations such as Microsoft to combat this growing issue in Kuwait. It is our mandate to protect our economy and the society at large and will therefore continue to develop new programs and sustain partnerships that are geared towards curtailing the proliferation of software piracy."

"Microsoft takes the issue of the pirated software very seriously because our customers expect and deserve the highest-level of satisfaction when purchasing our products. We work with stakeholders across the Gulf, including governments, industry partners and educational bodies, to increase awareness about the value of intellectual property as a driver of economic growth and to encourage respect for intellectual property rights. Through the Genuine Software Initiative (GSI), Microsoft is committed to advancing education amongst our customers while simultaneously investing heavily in engineering world-class anti-counterfeiting technologies and supporting government and law enforcement agencies who are taking action against counterfeiters," said Jawad Al Redha, IPR Manager, Microsoft Gulf.

Dale Waterman, Microsoft's Corporate Attorney for Anti Piracy for the Middle East and Africa region, added, "Every year, millions of consumers and businesses are hurt by counterfeit software that they acquire unwittingly. Consumers, businesses and resellers continually ask for help in mitigating the threats posed by pirates. We are heavily investing our resources and time into winning the battle against piracy by intensifying our collaboration with government and law enforcement agencies in the Gulf region to ensure that pirates are brought to justice. Our enforcement efforts are a key component in our battle against piracy."