UAE authorities reaffirm commitment to Intellectual Property Rights

UAE authorities have conducted a raid on two computer shops in Sharjah, which sold systems containing pirated software. The raids conducted jointly by the Department of Economic Development and Ministry of Culture and Information led to the seizure of two PCs and 20 CDs containing pirated software and has detained three individuals linked to these shops charged with violation of UAE's copyright and publishing laws.

The raid was a result of the corporation between the Arabian Antipiracy Alliance (AAA) and the UAE authorities and has sent a clear and tough message to individuals and companies involved in the sale or use of pirated software. The authorities were investigating the shops and the individuals involved after receiving a tip off about their activities in dealing with pirated software.

Scott Butler, CEO of Arabian Antipiracy Alliance (AAA) said: "The AAA is committed to co-ordinate with the governmental organisations, the general public and the private sector, to intensify our campaign to protect the interest of the software industry in the region. These campaigns conducted are not only targeted at the retailers, but also the software distributors and the end users, and all the parties involved in dealing with pirated software. The latest series of raids demonstrates the commitment of the UAE authorities to reduce the spread of pirated software and advance the establishment of a secure environment for local and international software companies to work in the country."

Butler added: "UAE is a leader in the region in protecting IPR, by adopting stringent laws and penalties against violators. IPR is a central pillar for social and economic development, therefore its protection will fasten the integration of the region into the global economy."

The UAE has succeeded in achieving economic results due to its commitment to IPR laws and by positioning itself as the best investment destination for foreign and regional IT Companies. These efforts have induced a large number of international companies to set up headquarters in the UAE in order to manage their operations in the Middle East.

Butler added: "Software piracy is a great threat to international and local economic systems. The IT companies are losing millions of dollars each year because of this illegal practice. This adversely affects Return on Investment and Research and Development in the sector leading to economic stagnation and job losses."

The UAE law has legal provisions to sanction stiff penalties on individuals and companies and requires the users to display evidence of using original software.