BSA signs anti-piracy MOU with Kuwait Ministry of Commerce.

BSA signs anti-piracy MOU with Kuwait Ministry of Commerce

Agreement to implement comprehensive ad and media campaign across Kuwaiti media outlets

Business Software Alliance (BSA), the international association formed by thesoftware industry to promote a safe and legal digital world, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry in a move aimed at intensifying anti-piracy initiatives in the country.

Under the terms of the MOU, both parties will jointly launch a major anti-piracyadvertising and media campaign across Kuwait. Jawad Al Redha, Co-Chairman of BSAMiddle East IPR Manager of Micrsoft's Gulf operations, explained the provisions ofthe MOU and the mechanics of the media campaign with H.E. Rasha Al-Sabah.,Intellectual Property Rights Manager of Kuwait.

"The Kuwaiti Ministry of Commerce and Industry is pleased to collaborate with BSAand its partners such as Microsoft in conducting a comprehensive program that aimsto enhance awareness about the detrimental effects of piracy. It is our mandate toprotect our economy and the society at large, thus we will not waver in our effortsand continue to develop new programs and sustain partnerships geared towardscurtailing the proliferation of software piracy," said H.E. Rasha Al-Sabah., IPRManager, Kuwait.

"Our joint campaign with BSA to launch the ad and media campaign will create asignificant impact in our existing public awareness program, and is likewise aimedat improving the image of Kuwait as a leading figure in the global campaign againstpiracy. The Ministry greatly appreciates BSA's support and concern for the securityand development of Kuwait's IT industry," added H.E. Rasha Al-Sabah.

Jawad Al Redha, Microsoft's IPR Manager in the Gulf region and BSA Co-Chairman inthe Middle East, commented: "we offer all necessary support we can extend to preventthe spread of piracy in the Arab World. We will share technical information,technology and even provide vital leads for enforcement agencies as part of ourcollaboration with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Commerce and Industry."

"Moreover, our cooperation with our Kuwaiti counterparts is part of a greaterregion-wide movement to enhance awareness of issues related to intellectual propertyrights and their significant implications on the development of the region's rapidlyexpanding economy," added Al Redha.

The MOU initiates an advertising and media campaign that aim to reach out to as manyindividuals and organisations in the country as possible. The campaign willreinforce the country's existing anti-piracy program, which has been expanded toinclude stiffer penalties and a more intensified country-wide enforcement andawareness campaign.

Additionally, the MOU seeks to promote Kuwait as an important regional IT investmentdestination and attract key business organisations and international investors tothe country. The country's strong IT potential has been affirmed by a recent IDCstudy, which revealed that decreasing Kuwait's piracy rate by at least 10 percentagepoints could potentially add around USD 350 million to the national economy,including USD 219 million in local revenues and USD 1 million in taxes.

BSA has been a prominent figure in global efforts against cyber crime, withparticular focus on extensive public awareness. Established in 1988, BSA hasprograms in more than 80 countries worldwide, including the Middle East, where ithas intensified its efforts in view of the unprecedented growth of the region's ITsector.

[c] 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)