By Bill W. Cooper
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has issued a new directive requiring all registered businesses to obtain necessary copyright clearances and licenses before commercially exploiting creative content.
This initiative, according to the Ministry aims to ensure that businesses respect the rights of creators and adhere to the legal frameworks governing copyright, coupled with protecting intellectual property rights.
The directive, however, comes in response to growing concerns about the unauthorized use of creative works, which has been a persistent issue in Liberia’s burgeoning market.
In a statement, the Deputy Minister for Administration at Commerce, Scholastica T. Nyenkan-Nimely said, “It has come to the attention of the MOCI that Users of Creative Contents (Music, Arts, Movie etc..) in their majority are not in compliance with the rules governing the commercial use of those materials bearing the Intellectual Property Rights of persons.”
“And institutions having ownership as prescribed by sections 9.6, 9.35 and 9.36 of the 2016 Intellectual Property Act and ensuing Copyright Regulations.
This is a tacit violation of the General Business Laws, the Intellectual Property Law and further undermines Liberia’s commitment to International Trade Rules and Obligations over IP and our very own Creative/Entertainment Industry,” she said.
According to her, the Ministry is categorically clear and requires full compliance by all registered businesses using Creative Contents within the bailiwick of Liberia by obtaining the needed Copyright Clearances and Licenses before the commercial exploitation of Creative Contents as prescribed by Law.
Deputy Minister Nyenkan-Nimely further narrated, “In furtherance to ensuring compliance, the Ministry working along with its implementing partners-the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) and the Copyright Society of Liberia (COSOL)-will conduct routine surveillance and inspection exercises.”
“This announcement must claim the attention of Creative Contents Users, including but not limited to the following entities, including Mobile Network Operators (MMO) and Centers of Hospitality (Hotels, Motels, Bars, Restaurants, Casinos, Gaming Centers, etc.).
Others are Traders, wholesalers, Retailers of Music, Movie etc., Broadcasters (TV & Radio Stations, etc.), and Importers of Transmittable, Receivable and Storage Devices, amongst others.
