During the 17th Session of the Council of Ministers of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) that took place in Monrovia, Liberia from November 21st to 22nd, 2019, consideration was made for a draft legal framework on the establishment of a Regional Voluntary Copyright Registration and Notification System.Mrs Mercy Kainobwisho, the Regester General at Uganda Registration Services Bureau said on Wednesday.
It is to this effect that Uganda and other regions are preparing for a series of meetings that will be held inclusive of the Extraordinary Session of the Administrative Experts engagement and the Diplomatic Conference where the draft protocol on voluntary registration of copyright and related rights will be tabled.
According to Mrs Mercy Kainobwisho, the Regester General at Uganda Registration Services Bureau adoption of this protocol in Kampala gives visibility to Uganda and is also in line with the Government’s sustained plans to grow intellectual property & related rights for economic growth.
“As you may recall, Cabinet approved and passed the National Intellectual Property Policy in May 2019, and it was officially launched by H.E the President in September 2020”. She contemplated.
Mercy added that Intellectual Property supports the transformation of the economy through harnessing of the benefits accrued to rights holders such as creating opportunities for employment of the youth and providing solutions through commercialization of innovations.
The Deputy attorney general and acting minister of justice and Constitutional Affairs said that together with URSB, government has sensitised the public about intellectual property protection and established an enforcement unit comprised of 4 Police Officers to address issues of piracy and infringement of Right holders works.
The minister also noted that a number of rights holders have complained of pirating of their works and usually lose the morale to follow up on prosecuting those practicing this demoralizing act of piracy.
” A number of interventions have been undertaken by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau such as streamlining the industry and the role played by Collection Management Organizations; sensitizing and encouraging rights holders to voluntarily register their works”. He said
The minister added that with a young population that has devoted itself to the arts and creativity industry, the intellectual rights will help them earn from thier talents.
Through adoption of this protocol, Ugandans shall be able to have their works registered and protected internationally, benefit and earn from their works.
