Business Software Alliance to Combat Copyright Infringement of Computer Software

To enhance intellectual property protection and decrease the share of copyright infringement of software in Georgia the Business Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) is to launch its activity to protect the rights of the companies such as Adobe, Apple, Microsoft, Siemens and the like. The alliance whose representation has already been founded in Georgia currently operates in 80 countries worldwide and will soon start a warning campaign for big Georgian companies to have the counterfeit software removed.

The BSA representation organized an official introduction to media on April 28 and held a press conference as well. BCA, Alexander Bolkvadze, the lawyer for the alliance in Georgia said, is going to protect its members' legal rights in terms of intellectual property related to software support.

"This problem is impossible to be addressed in a day but we are going to launch the campaign gradually. This issue has been considered at the legislative level but no execution has been provided," Bolkvadze, said.

Unauthorized copying of software, its reproduction, distribution and use is still a one of the main dangers to information technological industry.

Few years ago Georgia declared it wants to be a full member of the European society and in this regard there is a series of legislative reforms to be effected to achieve the goal including the enhancement of intellectual property protection and decrease the share of copyright infringement of software.

According to the 2009 survey conducted by IDC, conducting global market research and analysis Georgia has the biggest software piracy rate in the world 95%.

The meeting in Georgia was attended by the U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, John R. Bass too. This topic, he said, is very important and throughout years the American side has been working with the Georgian government over the issue.

"Georgia has not made a good progress in this regard. We are cooperating with the representatives of Georgian business and government to secure the protection of intellectual property," said John R. Bass.

Irakli Gvaladze, head of Sakpatenti [National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia] says the situation in Georgia in terms of the use of counterfeit software is alarming.

"Governmental structures are going to change it and switch to the use of legal software. As regards private sector the issue is partially regulated in the banking sector," said Irakli Gvaladze. "We will do our best to support the company to have the issue addressed in Georgia."