Microsoft pursues Copyright infringers in Uganda

The Newvision Newspaper in Kampala reports that Microsoft, the Seattle based software giant has hired Kampla Associated Advocates, one of Uganda's largest law firms to pursue companies that are illegally using its range of software products.

According to one of the lawyers involved, the fight will target "the downloading of unauthorised software; counterfeiting, the unauthorised manufacture and distribution of software and manufacturer piracy, the unauthorised pre-installation of software by manufacturers into computers" among others.

This action comes amidst growing hope on the side of copyright owners that the Copyright & Neighboring rights Act, 2006 will soon be implemented. Whereas increased copyright litigation and prosecution per se will not prevent widespread infringement, it is believed the culture of respecting intellectual property will start gaining recognition.