CIPA to amend piracy law :: Mmegi Online

The Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) is in the process of amending the existing law to deal with incidents of piracy in the country. This follows the recent World Trade Organisation annual report, which indicates that from April 2016 to February 2022, CIPA confiscated 25, 084 pirated works valued at P2, 064, 000 and made 21 arrests.

The report shows that CIPA conducted several raids and spot checks on establishments related to IP enforcement of sound audio-visual works during the period under review. It further revealed that the perpetrators were not prosecuted but were charged with admission of guilt penalties ranging from P500 to P1 000.

CIPA’s Awareness & Communications manager, Marietta Magashula said increased levels of piracy are a huge concern to CIPA and the rights holders who are being robbed of their economic rights. Although Magashula said the existing law is still sufficient enough to support law enforcement authorities in dealing with piracy, she stated that there is a need to improve the law to fight piracy.

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