Microsoft Qatar has filed criminal complaints against re-sellers here caught with pirated software during a recent crackdown which led to the confiscation of a large number of pirated software CDs and personal computers (PCs) loaded with fake copies of Microsoft Windows XP, Office 2003 and Office 2007 software.

The raids by Microsoft in partnership with local government bodies were part of its stepped up efforts in the region to take legal steps against those who manufacture and distribute illegal software. As an active member of the Business Software Alliance, Microsoft continues to educate customers and partners about the negative effects of software piracy on the local economy. It warned consumers that using counterfeit or hacked software is vulnerable to security issues like viruses, identity or even credit card theft.

Abdulla Ahmad Qayaed, Manager of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Centre, said software piracy poses very real risks to businesses and consumers and the Ministry of Justice has continuously organise awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public about IPR laws and the negative impact of using pirated software. “We therefore remain committed to working with organisations such as Microsoft to combat this issue in Qatar. It is our mandate to protect our economy and the society at large and will therefore continue to develop new programs and sustain partnerships that are geared towards curtailing the proliferation of software piracy,” Oayaed said.