Narok: The Kenya Copyrights Board (KECOBO) has successfully trained over 400 creatives and law enforcement officers in Narok County on copyright infringement to bolster the protection of intellectual property rights.
According to Kenya News Agency, the two-day workshop, held at a hotel in Narok, aimed to strengthen enforcement mechanisms against copyright infringement, as stated by KECOBO's Acting Executive Director, George Nyakweba. He highlighted the board's commitment to fostering a secure environment for creatives, ensuring they fully benefit from their intellectual property.
Nyakweba emphasized the importance of registering creative works to obtain a certificate, which serves as crucial evidence in court if infringement occurs. He noted that unregistered artists might face challenges in proving ownership of their work in infringement cases. He encouraged artists to report infringements to KECOBO or trained police officers, who are equipped to assist.
KECOBO Deputy Director of Training and Research, Sharon Wata, advised artists to sign contracts when hired to perform, facilitating KECOBO's assistance if contracts are breached. She also recommended using watermarks on social media to prevent infringement and cautioned residents about posting content online without permission.
Violet Sikawa, Director of Culture for Narok County Government, acknowledged the training's potential to address existing challenges with artists. She reiterated the county government's dedication to educating society on copyright and data protection to prevent legal issues.
KECOBO, a state corporation, is tasked with administering and enforcing copyright and related rights in Kenya. The training program aims to empower creatives from diverse fields by providing essential knowledge on copyright and related rights. Participants also benefit from free legal advice from intellectual property lawyers and free copyright registration.