The Business Software Alliance is to conduct extensive training for law enforcement officers from across the Middle East, in keeping with its pledge to share its experience in fighting software piracy and copyright infringement with the governments of the region.
The training will be held over two days in Jordan, under the patronage of the Jordanian General
Security, starting February 7; with some 40 copyright law enforcement officers from Jordan and 28 officers and journalists from other Arab countries, including the UAE, expected to attend.
“We are happy to be conducting such a cooperative activity with governments in the Middle East” said Jawad Al-Redha, Regional Director for the BSA, “this demonstrates willingness on all parts to stop violations and support the expansion of the software industry in the region, and we hope to be able to add specific IT-related experience and skills to the skill set that these officers already bring to enforcement.”
Many governments took action recently by conducting raids on corporate entities that were in infringement of the law in their various states. Very recently, companies in Lebanon, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, the KSA, Jordan and the UAE have been subject to actions for use of illegal software.
The training will deal the economic impact of software piracy, in addition to Arab laws, international treaties and the role of the WIPO, as well as the worldwide fight against copyright infringement and Internet piracy. Practical sessions on product identification will also be conducted, helping officers to identify counterfeit products, genuine products and giving them practical guidance on licensing and license management.
"The result is intended to be a collaborative effort that brings the BSA's experience and expertise in the specific area of software to bear, helping officers to be more effective in their copyright protection work. This not only strengthens enforcement efforts, but it also ensures that officers can discriminate between legal users and illegal users and so avoid bothering users who are abiding by the law," said Al Redha.
The training also represents a good venue for the diverse agencies to share information about piracy in their different countries and brainstorm about ways to support the software industry by enhancing protection against intellectual property pirates.
The Business Software Alliance (BSA) is the voice of the world's leading software developers before governments and with consumers in the international marketplace. Its members represent the fastest growing industry in the world. BSA educates computer users on software copyrights; advocates public policy that fosters innovation and expands trade opportunities; and fights software piracy. BSA worldwide members include Adobe, Apple Computer, Autodesk, Corel Corporation, Macromedia, Microsoft, Network Associates and Symantec. — (Albawaba-MEBG)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
