Yemen expresses support to IPR issues by warning people against using pirated software

The Chamber has announced a series of new measures aimed at reducing software piracy, under the directions of H.E. Ali Abdulla Saleh, the President of Yemen, who has called for intensification of efforts to protect Intellectual Property Rights, with the larger objective of bringing benefits to the national economy and enhancing Yemen's position as the Cultural Capital of the Arab world.

Abdulla Ali Noaman, Director General of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Yemen, commented: "Yemen is committed to developing a legitimate and flourishing software industry, one that will generate high quality jobs for the Yemeni people in the IT sector. We believe the first essential requirement for achieving this goal is to offer full protection to intellectual property rights."

The Chamber has urged people in Yemen to shun pirated software and warned that use of such software had many negative effects for end-users, such as dangerous viruses and damaged to CD-ROMs. It also pointed out that the responsibility of combating piracy rests with sellers as well as end-users.

"End-users have a duty to stop using illegally copied software because this amounts to robbing the developers of their rightful share of revenues and profits. On the other hand, use of pirated software has a negative impact on the national economy because it restricts the development of new software, depriving users of new solutions in the market," added Noaman.

Jawad Al Redha, Co-chairman, BSA Middle East, said: "BSA would like to thank the Yemeni President for this proactive move which is part of Yemen's ambitious long-term plan to develop a dedicated IT zone in Yemen as one of the pillars of the national economy. The intensified anti-piracy campaign will boost foreign investment inflow into Yemen by sending a signal to IT players that Yemen would put down piracy with a firm hand. We would like to appreciate the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Yemen for spearheading the new anti-piracy campaign."

The campaign follows extensive talks with high Yemeni officials over the past few months to work out strategies to uphold the intellectual property rights in Yemen. BSA organised a number of activities, including road shows and training sessions for government personnel, businessmen and students on the benefits of IPR. This has paved the way for Yemeni Government in setting guidelines and implementing an effective action plan.

The aggressive anti-piracy moves have high significance when viewed in conjunction with the recent plan announced by the President of Yemen to set up a Technology City for Telecommunications and Information in Yemen. Yemen's 2001-2025 strategy is to adopt constructive policies, use and employ new technology, create world-class infrastructure, nurture a pool of IT professionals, narrow the digital divide and thus contribute to comprehensive economic and social development of the country.