The Kenya copyright Board and Microsoft announced a thirty day amnesty period to software retailers and resellers to ensure that they sell genuine products. After this period they will be held liable and face prosecution for selling any counterfeit software.

The announcement was made on 10th November 2011 at the Intercontinental Hotel, Nairobi by  Eric Odipo, Channel Lead, Microsoft East and Southern Africa and Marisella Ouma, Executive Director, Kenya Copyright Board and Micheal Berenju, Anti-Piracy Manager, Microsoft East and Southern Africa.

This was in response to the growing threat of software piracy to Kenya’s economy, a crime which cost the country millions in revenue. A research conducted by Microsoft, has confirmed that software piracy is at 42% globally. In Kenya, only 20% of the population use genuine software.

Eric Odipo said China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Europe are the major manufacturing centers of these counterfeit products. Michael Berenjuon his side confirmed that counterfeiters have become very sophisticated and produce and supply counterfeit products that look almost like the original products.

“All Microsoft products in Africa are labeled “Made in Ireland” but to beat customs, the counterfeit products have been labeled “Made in USA”. People simply assume that products made in USA are original.” Says Berenju.

Kenya Copyright Board Executive Director, Marisella Ouma emphasized that by using pirated software, you (the user) are denying the owners their rights.

“The unauthorized commercial use of software is a crime, just like theft, tax evasion and fraud. Our country’s intellectual property rights are in place for a reason – to protect consumers and businesses – not line the pockets of criminal organisations,” she said.

During the Amnesty period, Microsoft will offer discounts on genuine versions of some of its popular software. Odipo also announced the launch of the Genuine Reseller Program, a program for trusted and verified Microsoft resellers who have entered into an agreement to sell only genuine Microsoft software.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate between genuine and non-genuine software, unless consumers are discerning and know what to look out for.  Get to know the difference. Visit www.hottotell.com