Two resellers raided in mounting efforts to curb piracy

The resellers were found in possession of one PC loaded with illegal software and 40 counterfeit CDs consisting of a number of well-known software products including Adobe Photoshop. This raid marks the second raid of its kind in the UAE this month and another step forwards in the UAE's authority's ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of piracy and encourage users to uphold the country's copyright law.

"Such raids illustrate the high costs involved in breaching the copyright law. The use of illegal software is not tolerable and copyright offenders end up facing the harsh consequences of legal action taken against them. Companies and resellers should realize that the copyright law is as strict as any other law. It is illegal in UAE to use unlicensed software copies or sell them and we have been doing our best to increase awareness in the local community on this particular issue," commented Scott Butler, Chief Executive Officer, AAA. "The message is a straightforward one.

All software developers have the right to earn revenue as a result of the huge time and resource investments dedicated to software advancements. Hence, it is normal that companies, resellers and end users pay for their software, just like they pay for any other commodity."

The UAE authorities have demonstrated firm resolve over the years to protect and support the country's IT industry. This year has witnessed numerous raids by the UAE authorities, where systematic and effective action has been taken against those who infringed the Emirates' copyright laws.

"Software manufacturers, both local and international, should have confidence in the market and know that they can invest safely in the UAE because the authorities support them and protect their rights," added Butler. "Unless law abiding resellers in technology are protected by the law, software pirates will threaten the UAE's leading information technology industry."

end