The Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) has announced that Namibia has become the first country among 22 member states of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) to ratify the Kampala Protocol on the voluntary registration of Copyright and Related Rights. This significant milestone underscores Namibia’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and innovative business environment.
The Kampala Protocol provides a framework for the international registration of creative works, offering creators and businesses greater protection and opportunities for exploitation, through voluntary copyright registration. The ratification of the Kampala Protocol is a testament to Namibia’s dedication to intellectual property rights and its alignment with international standards. It also reflects the country’s progressive approach to economic development, recognizing the crucial role of creativity and innovation.
In line with the ratification of the Kampala Protocol, BIPA is actively working to modernize Namibia’s copyright laws. The current Copyright and Neighboring Rights Protection Act, 1994, is outdated and requires updates to reflect contemporary challenges and opportunities. Since 2019, BIPA, together with the Ministry of Industrialization and Trade (MIT), has been engaged in a comprehensive legislative review process to modernize the law, aligning it with international obligations and ensuring it better serves the creative sector. The revised law has undergone rigorous scrutiny by the Attorney-General and have subsequently been submitted to Cabinet as part of the lawmaking process.
BIPA is confident that the new law will create a more conducive environment for creators and businesses to thrive. “Namibia’s ratification of the Kampala Protocol is a significant step forward in our efforts to promote economic growth through intellectual property,” said Vivienne Katjiuongua, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar at BIPA. “By providing creators with stronger protection for their works, we are encouraging innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.” BIPA remains dedicated to supporting the creative industries in Namibia and ensuring that creators have the necessary tools and resources to succeed. Through its ongoing effort to modernize Namibia’s copyright law and promote international cooperation, BIPA is paving the way for a more vibrant and innovative future for Namibia.