Jordanian authorities raid two companies involved in illegal software trade

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The Department recently conducted raids on two computer companies in Amman, which resulted in the confiscation of computers and CDs loaded with pirated software. The cases have been turned over to the concerned authorities.

Ali Al Harakeh, official spokesperson of BSA in the Middle East, said, 'In conducting the raids, the National Library has sent a strong message to companies involved in the use and trade of pirated software that authorities in Jordan would not tolerate IPR violations. It is encouraging to note that Jordanian authorities recognize the detrimental impact of software piracy on the national economy and are determined to fight the piracy threat. BSA will continue to cooperate with the concerned authorities to prevent violation of the copyright law, which Jordan had enacted in 1992.'

'BSA, in association with the National Library, is stepping up its campaign to raise awareness about the perils of indulging in acts that are in breach of IPR laws. We are also cooperating with local organizations and industry bodies to launch a concerted effort to check software piracy,' Al Harakeh added.

Mamoun Al Talhouni, Director General, Department of National Library, said, 'We call upon the various government departments in Jordan to join us in our campaign to prevent IPR violations. We also urge software manufacturers to report any IPR violations that have come to their notice, so we can initiate the necessary legal measures. We hope our continued association with BSA will help us make significant progress in our efforts to fight piracy.'

Al Harakeh lauded the efforts of the National Library to ensure protection of Intellectual Property Rights, and acknowledged the support extended to the anti-piracy cause by Jordan's judicial and law enforcement authorities.

Taufik Al Tabbaa, a prominent legal expert and counsellor, emphasised on the benefits that companies could gain by using legal software, while observing that the IPR law was likely to be enforced more stringently in the coming months.

Radwan Al Jarah, Channel Manager of Autodesk, a leading IT reseller in Jordan, said, 'We hope more trading companies benefit from the incentives that software manufacturers offer firms committed to the use and trade of original software. We thank the various authorities for their support to the anti-piracy campaign, especially the Department of National Library, and assure our continued cooperation in their efforts to ensure that IPR laws are respected.'

The Jordanian government is seeking to develop the country's IT and communication sectors and has enacted laws to ensure protection of Intellectual Property Rights. Jordan's drive against software piracy, which has the direct backing of King Abdullah Bin Al Hussein, has earned widespread applause.