High piracy: Microsoft distributes their products in Iraq

Microsoft has designated a local distributer in Iraq, as requested by the government, for their products. This has been requested for copyright and intellectual property protection.

At the beginning of the week, the American software giant designated a local company as distributor of their products in Iraq. Their choice of local company Legend Lands, which is based in Bagdad, offers their services to companies and home users.

Legend Lands CEO, Ahmed Izzedien, indicated that their company will provide a large range of software products to "meet the government’s needs, in both the private and public sector, and home users".

For Microsoft’s development and emerging markets manager, this is "big step for Microsoft and Iraq". "From today, Microsoft will be officially and locally represented in Iraq to provide Microsoft licenses, support and services for our clients and resellers".

Rajai S. El-Khadem has also asked the Iraqi government to reinforce laws for the protection of intellectual property rights. Hit by sanctions imposed by the United Nations, the ground has been rife for illegal software sales.

According to the latest report published by the Business Software Alliance which Microsoft is a member, the rate of pirate software in Iraq was 86% in 2011 (compared to 42% on a global scale). This rate has increased slightly over the last few years.