Jordan Sees Steady Decline in Software Piracy, Reduces Rates to Below Regional Average

The Department of the National Library, under the leadership of Director General Mamoun Talhouni, has been instrumental in combating software piracy in Jordan. The enforcement activity on two system builders in Amman, who were caught copying and installing pirated Microsoft software, demonstrates the department's commitment to protecting intellectual property rights. This effort is part of a broader strategy to reduce software piracy and encourage the use of original software, which will ultimately benefit the Kingdom's economy and society.

Key Takeaways:

• Jordan has witnessed a steady decline in software piracy rates since 2003, with a significant reduction to 58% in recent years, which is below the regional average for the first time.
• The Department of the National Library, under Director General Mamoun Talhouni, has played a crucial role in increasing intellectual property awareness among businesses, educational institutions, and consumers, contributing to the decline in piracy rates.
• Combating and reducing software piracy in Jordan will attract investments, create jobs, and opportunities, and positively contribute to the socio-economic welfare of the Kingdom.
• Reducing software piracy can generate hundreds of new jobs and millions of dollars in economic growth, while increasing tax revenues to support local programs and services.
• A 10% decrease in software piracy over the next four years would create an additional 436 jobs, USD 47 million in local industry revenues, and USD 14 million in additional tax revenues for federal, regional, and local governments.
• Microsoft AP Lead for North Africa, Eastern Mediterranean, and Pakistan Aly Harakeh has praised the efforts of the Department of the National Library in combating software piracy and increasing intellectual property awareness in Jordan.
• The IT industry's leading global market research and forecasting firm, IDC, released a study in 2008, which highlighted the potential economic benefits of reducing software piracy in Jordan and the importance of protecting intellectual property rights.

Statistics:

• Reduction in software piracy rates in Jordan since 2003: 42%
• Current software piracy rate in Jordan: 58%
• Regional average software piracy rate: above 58%
• Potential jobs created through a 10% decrease in software piracy in Jordan: 436
• Potential economic growth through a 10% decrease in software piracy in Jordan: USD 47 million
• Potential additional tax revenues for federal, regional, and local governments: USD 14 million

Sources:

• Department of the National Library
• Microsoft AP Lead for North Africa, Eastern Mediterranean, and Pakistan Aly Harakeh
• IDC study (2008) on reducing software piracy in Jordan
• Al Bawaba (2009, 2010)