Two men who have confessed to copying software illegally over the internet and loading it on computers have been sentenced to one month in prison each. Both had been arrested during a police raid, where they were readying to sell three computers all loaded will unlicensed software; 72 counterfeit CDs were also found on the premises.
The Court of First Instance has also confiscated the counterfeit software and transferred the file to the Prosecutor's office for appropriate action. The Arabian Anti Piracy Alliance hailed this judgment as a landmark in the fight against copyright violations in the United Arab Emirates.
The United Arab Emirates has one of the best track records in the Middle East in terms of copyright protection. The country's intellectual property law was passed in 1992, and has been amended since, in order to keep up with technological and economic developments.
The last amendment dated July 2002 was welcomed by international and local companies as yet more proof of the UAE government's commitment to protecting investors and strengthen the framework for ongoing economical development. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
