Govt commences review of copyright and performance Rights Act

Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Permanent Secretary, Kayula Siame says the process of reviewing the copyright and performance Rights Act which was enacted in 1994 and partially amended in 2010 has commenced.

Ms. Kayula says revising this Act will ensure that the necessary legal reforms are put in place to achieve maximum potential of the copyright industry.

Speaking at the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organizations, African Development Committee meeting in Lusaka, Ms. Kayula says her Ministry is also working on developing a mechanism for close collaboration with other intellectual property enforcement agencies such as the police, the judiciary as well as customs officials to strengthen intellectual property enforcement.

Ms. Kayula says the Ministry of commerce through PACRA has facilitated engagement with the Ministry of Local government in order for local authorities countrywide, to partner with collective management organizations in licensing activities.

Speaking at the same event, Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) chief executive officer, Anthony Bwembya says copyright and related rights are an essential part that is often neglected.

And African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIP) Head Copyright and Related Rights, Maureen Fondo has commended Zambia for being one of the most valuable members of ARIPO thereby contributing to the development of the organization and continuously ratifying its protocols for protection of the intellectual property rights.