Technology boosts fight against piracy – Blueshield MD
SALES and use of fake and adulterated technology devices, especially desktops, laptop and notebooks, have not just become source of worry to concerned citizens but has risen to alarming proportion in Nigeria.
This development, according to analysts has posed possible loss of income to both the users, the Information and Technology Industry and government.
Addressing ICT journalist on the issue, Managing Director of Blueshield Technologies, a major technology product distributor, Mr. Chidiebere Ugwu said the introduction of internet authentication and hologram strategy by HP has not only helped in tackling the menace but has reduced the flow and volume of pirated products in the Nigerian market.
According to him, it is no longer news that there are lots of fake computer and other products in the Nigerian market that come in different shapes, colours and sizes to the country with fake label and sheap prices.
He expressed joy that the coming together of HP and other stakeholder in the fight have started performing the magtogether and carrying distributors and dealers along.
The Blueshield boss, described as illegal the action of those perpetrating the act of piracy in what he called grey market by way of selling of HP products in areas where the company do not intend to sell them without getting authority from to do so.
He lamented that the continued patronage of fake products by Nigerians due to ignorance and greed on the side of the dealers have resulted in loss of job opportunities, profit to dealers, return on investment, quality service and foreign direct investments as well as loss of industry growth.
He listed the the affected HP products to include notebooks, desktop computers, printer, scanner, cartridge, colour among others, and advised Nigerian to always insist on original products from only authorized channels who can guarantee the authenticity of their stock.
He pledged the commitment of his company to corporate with HP and other stakeholders to ensure that that piracy is brought to its knees, warning that any customer who risk patronizing adulterated product should also prepare to risk the consequences.
It will be recalled that the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), HP and Microsoft had on various occasions raided Computer Village and other allied markets in search of adulterated technology products and accessories, where arrests were made and goods worth millions of Naira were confiscated.
