Two software distribution companies in Dubai were raided recently and computers loaded with illegal software confiscated.
The PCs were loaded with illegal versions of Windows XP, MS Office, AutoCad and Norton AntiVirus.
The raid also netted 124 CDs of pirated software. Five people were arrested on charges of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) violation, copyright infringement and publishing laws.
"This successful raid conveys the government's tough stand on IPR violators. The UAE has gained tremendously after implementing IPR laws strictly.
"The IT industry has been booming in recent years, with several leading multinational IT companies investing heavily in the UAE to set up their facilities here," Scott Butler, CEO, Arabian Anti-piracy Alliance (AAA), said.
The Business Software Alliance (BSA) recently released its annual report where it indicated the UAE had the lowest piracy rate in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Established in 1988, the BSA represents leading software and e-commerce developers in 65 countries around the world.
