New copyright law, which amends the former Copyright and Neighboring Rights Protection Proclamation (No. 410/2004), has been promulgated by the Federal Legislature, House of Peoples Representatives.

The new bill stipulates royalty fees should be paid to right holders for artistic works from Ethiopia and elsewhere in the world. The proclamation was prepared by Ethiopian Intellectual Property Protection Office (EIPPO).

The proclamation aims to give a legal protection that is compatible with the ever growing development of copyrights and neighboring rights. In addition to this the bill intends to create conditions where the right holder administers hid/her own rights in an organized manner.

The amendment includes provisions that require broadcasters and entertainment hangouts to pay royalty fees for right holders. The legal protection goes as far as to include artworks protected by copyright laws abroad.

Another thing introduced by the bill is the right that is granted to right holders to form Collective Management Society (CSM). The association is going to be registered as a non-for-profit organization and it will collect as well as allocate royalty fees on behalf right holders.

A new tribunal is also established under the EIPPO which will have jurisdiction over civil disputes on copy right matters. Nonetheless, this power was under the jurisdiction of regular courts.

The draft bill to the newly promulgated proclamation was tabled before the HPR only three weeks ago.

Source: The Reporter