Institutions and businesses using pirated Microsoft software will be raided and their computers seized, the Kenya Copyright Board has warned.
In a joint meeting between Kecobo and Microsoft in Nairobi to discuss the copyright theft problem in the country, the board’s director, Marisella Ouma said cyber cafes, schools, and other organisations have been granted an amnesty to acquire licenses for software or be arrested.
“When the amnesty period is over on January 15, we will seize the counterfeit products with the help of police and take the perpetrators to court,” she said.
She said the Copyright Act which was last amended in 2001 clearly sets out exclusive rights for rights holders and penalties for criminals who infringe on intellectual property.
The board advised Microsoft software users who can not purchase licenses to alternatively get open source software products because theft of proprietary software is causing major losses to business relying on it to remain afloat.
“A study on cyber security and software piracy globally, done this year by International Data Corporation, estimates that direct business losses as a result of use of counterfeit software will hit $114 billion (Sh9.91 trillion) this year,” the board said.
Further, Microsoft added that businesses and consumers who continue to use counterfeit software, are putting themselves at risk of hackers and unreliability of unlicensed products.
“We will conduct a free education campaign to enlighten consumers on the importance of protecting intellectual property rights,” Microsoft said.
By RICHARD MUNGAI, The Star
