Zambia accedes to Kampala intellectual property protocol

Moombe Hamobola-Zambia, The Gambia and Namibia have signed the African Regional Intellectual Property, Kampala protocol on voluntary registration of copyright and related rights.

Commerce Trade and Industry Minister CHIPOKA MULENGA signed the protocol on behalf of Zambia at the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization ARIPO in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

And speaking after he signed the protocol, Mr. MULENGA said the government understands that in the knowledge based global economy, intellectual property is a valuable tool for enhancing creativity, innovation and competitiveness.

He said the Ministry has therefore made a conscious decision to support the regional intellectual property legal framework by signing the Kampala protocol on voluntary registration of copyright and related rights.

The Minister said the government will create awareness on the importance of the protocol and ensure wide consultations before ratifying and domesticating the protocol.

And Mr. MULENGA says the government will in complementing the domestication of the Kampala Protocol ensure that the copyright and Performance Rights Act is amended.

He said the government is aware of the challenges faced by copyright owners that have arisen due to the recent advancements in digital technology and a continued public acceptance of unauthorized copying of copyright works.

Mr. MULENGA has since urged artists, film makers, writers, broadcasting organizations and all creators of copyright to take advantage of this protocol by ensuring that their works are registered not only at PACRA but also at ARIPO.

The post Zambia accedes to Kampala intellectual property protocol appeared first on .