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Raid on 5 illegal software traders

DUBAI -The UAE Ministry of Information and Culture recently conducted a large-scale raid on five UAE- based resellers dealing in illegal software.

During the raid, 88 counterfeit CDs, loaded with illegal programs and pirated software were seized.

This latest raid is part of the aggressive ongoing anti-piracy campaign launched by the UAE authorities to combat software piracy by intensifying raids on offending traders.

"The UAE is one of the leading countries in fighting counterfeit software trading, piracy and other illegal activities. We are taking a tough stand against software piracy in order to protect software companies based in the region," said Salem Al Amiri, Director-General, Department of Information Control in the UAE Ministry of Information and Culture.

"This has successfully reduced piracy rates in the country. Positive results have been achieved through strict implementation of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) laws, helping the UAE emerge as the IT hub of the region."

"In the increasingly secure IT scenario leading international software companies are setting up operations in the country to serve the IT needs of the Middle East and neighbouring countries. The UAE's success in drastically reducing piracy levels highlights the importance of protecting Intellectual Property Rights in order to create a healthy business environment and present an equal platform for all software companies. Eradication of software piracy will further boost the software industry and create more job opportunities in the region," added Al Amiri.

Scott Butler, CEO of Arabian Anti piracy Alliance (AAA), said, "This raid is another step in our ongoing campaign against illegal software traders.

The UAE Ministry of Information Control and government authorities are sparing no effort in their objective to wipe out piracy in the country.

The authorities have taken concrete and tough measures to enforce Intellectual Property Rights by introducing laws that prescribe stiff penalties on violators."

"The government has further supported the anti-piracy campaigns by conducting persistent raids on companies carrying out illegal software trade, as well as on end-users engaged in un-licensed use of original software. This raid sends a direct message to traders and end-users that strong action will be taken against violators of copyright laws. Although the incidents of piracy have dropped considerably in the UAE, the country is yet to achieve 100 per cent eradication of this menace. To reach the goal of a piracy-free IT market, all parties involved in the IT industry, from IT companies to government sectors and end-users, should cooperate and work towards fighting this criminal activity," added Butler.