Following raids conducted by the Kuwait Ministry of Information in late November 2000, cases have now been filed against eight computer resellers with the public prosecutor. The resellers, all based in the Hawalli area of Kuwait, were caught during the most extensive single enforcement activity ever seen against software theft in the region.
The action preceded the truce declared, during Ramadan, by the BSA (Business Software Alliance), which has said that it would not report any further cases of illegal software usage up until 10th January 2001.
"This action was unprecedented in its scope, and once again demonstrates that the Kuwaiti authorities are committed to upholding the law against copyright theft in Kuwait," said BSA regional director Jawad Al Redha. "Once again, companies have found that the price for breaking the law is not work paying: the risk of prosecution, loss of market reputation, fines and confiscation. All of these eight companies now face those risks."
The companies were all raided in a single, three-hour action, by the Ministry's enforcement officials that visited over five shopping malls in the area, which is rich in computer stores. A number of computers and software packages were seized in the course of the raid.
"The future of Kuwait's computer market depends on the growth of a sound and capable IT sector. Resellers that can compete on a level playing field and that can service the needs of their customers, international companies that are willing to invest in the country and the growth of opportunities for local software developers and entrepreneurs are all dependent on the protection of the law," said Al-Redha. "This is another clear signal that the Kuwaiti authorities are both willing and able to provide that protection." ¯ (Albawaba-MEBG)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
