Microsoft Gulf and GCC officials have called for greater action against software piracy and other intellectual property rights (IPR) violations across the Arab World.

Speaking at a function to mark the World Intellectual Property Day, Microsoft officials emphasised on the vision of a piracy-free region.

The World Intellectual Property Day, celebrated annually on April 26, was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization in 2001 to raise awareness about the role of intellectual property in social development and also to recognize the valuable contributions of innovators and artists to social growth.

The event adopts a theme each year, with 2009 focusing on “Green Innovation.”

Microsoft marked the occasion with a special dinner on Sunday at the Madinat Jumeirah, where anti-piracy advocates from the GCC region’s government sector were honoured.

Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Alshihhi, director general, UAE ministry of economy, said: 'The UAE recognises the severe negative economic and social consequences of piracy, which is why we have implemented strict policies with regards to IPR offences.'

'This attitude has made us a leader in anti-piracy efforts across the Gulf. Our continued collaboration with Microsoft to encourage respect for IP and to promote broader knowledge on the effects of software piracy has helped improve IPR protection levels in the region,' Alshihhi pointed out.

'The Intellectual Property Day was an opportunity for us to join the world in affirming that piracy is a threat that should be co-operatively addressed by the public and private sector,' he added.

Jawad Al Redha, IPR manager, Microsoft Gulf, said the company was working hard to see that the vision of a piracy-free region extends beyond this day and becomes a priority across governments and industries.

'Our partnership with authorities such as the UAE ministry of economy and other ministries in the region shows how combined public-private initiatives are highly effective mechanisms for combating IPR crimes.'

'For our part, we shall further intensify our awareness campaigns to enlighten the public on the negative consequences of piracy, and in our own way uphold Arab society’s appreciation and respect for both innovation and intellectual property,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service