Friday 24 December 2010

GOVT INTENSIFY FIGHT AGAINST PIRACY

The Government through the office of the Registrar of Copyrights in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services has embarked on a country wide sensitisation campaign on pirated and counterfeit products ahead of the introduction of the hologram sometime next year.

Under the new Copyright and Performance Rights Act which was enacted by Parliament on August 16 this year, under Section 38A (1) of the Security holograms, a person shall use a hologram device in relation to sound recordings and cinematograph films intended or offered for sale, rental, hiring, lending or otherwise distributed for the public or for commercial purposes within the Republic.

A combined team of officers from the office of the Registrar of Copyrights and the Zambia Music Copyright Protection Society (ZAMCOPS) told dealers in music and other artistic works at Kapata market in Chipata yesterday that no one will be allowed to sale music works and other artistic works without a hologram next year.

The team led by the Registrar of Copyrights Kenneth Musamvu explained that a hologram device has been introduced as a way of curbing the escalating levels of piracy and counterfeit products in the country.

The team warned that those found selling musical and other artistic works without a hologram after it has been introduced risked being arrested and prosecuted.

According to the new Act, those found guilty if convicted are likely to be jailed for a maximum of 10 years and a minimum of five years imprisonment.

Mr. Musamvu said continued violations of intellectual property rights cost the owners of the rights and the Government huge sums of money each year.

“Violations of intellectual property rights cost the owners of the rights billions of Kwacha each year. These costs stem from lost royalties and sales in market dominated by counterfeit products,” Mr. Musamvu said.

Mr. Musamvu has also commended the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and other security agencies at Mwami border in Chipata for intercepted huge consignments of counterfeits products at the border.

He urged the officers not to relent in their quest to rid the country of pirated and counterfeit goods.

Meanwhile, the Provincial administration in Eastern Province says it fully supports the fight against piracy and counterfeit goods.

Deputy Permanent Secretary Nicholous Banda told the visiting team that the Provincial administration will support the fight against piracy and counterfeit products.

Mr. Banda said pirated and counterfeit products affect the economy of the country and there is need to ensure that pirates do not find room in the country.
The Ministry of Information and ZAMCOPS have conducted similar sensitisation campaigns in Nakonde in Northern Province where piracy and counterfeit products is rife.

ZANIS

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