Narayan AmmachchiBY STAFF REPORT
Jamaica has unveiled a new copyright registration system that allows companies to register voluntarily with the government to claim ownership on their product.
The government stated the new system would put an end to “longstanding” complaints in the country over copyright violations, and would benefit the creative industries.
Powerful and comprehensive copyright law has long been overdue in Jamaica.
“Creators, or their authorized agents, of a piece of work (whether it be literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, film, computer software), will be able to apply to JIPO for registration of copyright by completing two forms and submitting a digital copy of the work,” stated the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) in a press release.
The system will not only give companies a proof of copyright ownership but also benefit the economy as a whole, said Reginald Budhan, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce.
JIPO has, however, said the system would be tested at the Edna Manley College early next year, with full implementation slated for later in the year. The certificates that the companies get in response to their registration will serve as documents supporting their claim of ownership on products.
“We must now seek to exploit our creative industries to their fullest potential, thus boosting their contribution to the economy,” Budhan added.
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