Companies using illegal software raided in Jordan

The Department of National Library in Jordan has renewed its efforts to protect Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in the country by stepping up its campaign against software piracy. The Department recently conducted raids on two computer companies in Amman, which resulted in the confiscation of computers and CDs loaded with pirated software.

Ali Al Harakeh, official spokesperson of BSA in the Middle East, said, “Jordanian authorities recognize the detrimental impact of software piracy on the national economy and are determined to fight the piracy threat. BSA will continue to cooperate with the concerned authorities to prevent violation of the copyright law, which Jordan had enacted in 1992.”

Taufik Al Tabbaa, a prominent legal expert and counsellor, emphasised the benefits that companies could gain by using legal software, while observing that the IPR law was likely to be enforced more stringently in the coming months.

The Jordanian government is seeking to develop the country’s IT and communication sectors and has enacted laws to ensure protection of Intellectual Property Rights. Jordan’s drive against software piracy, which has the direct backing of King Abdullah Bin Al Hussein, has earned widespread applause.