Government has directed advertising agents and companies to withdraw and formalize all adverts containing copyrighted music without the authority from rights holders by 3rd April, 2011.
Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Sam Phiri has requested all advertising agents and companies to obtain clearance in advance from the Zambia Music Copyright Protection Society-ZAMCOPS.
Dr PHIRI says it is an offence under the amended Copyright and Performance Rights Act number 25 of 2010 to synchronise copyrighted music and visual works in advertisements which contain protected music.
The Permanent Secretary has warned of prosecution against institutions that will fail to abide by the law after 3rd April, as they will be infringing on the rights of artists.
Dr PHIRI said cinemas, Radio stations, television stations and cell phone companies should request for clearance letters from ZAMCOPS before using advertisements which contain protected music.
This is contained in a press statement issued and signed by Dr PHIRI in Lusaka today.
Dr PHIRI said government is determined to bring back sanity into the industry that has been rocked by blatant exploitation of artists.
He said professionals in the artistic industry need to be respected and rewarded adequately.
Dr PHIRI said government will closely work with ZAMCOPS and other relevant institutions to ensure that artists occupy a central role in society.
ZNBC
Copyright this – “Goodbye RB, go back to farming peanuts”
I have copyrighted this.
“Rupiah Banda – Useless President”