CISAC: Election of the Moroccan Office of Copyright and Neighboring Rights as President of the Executive Committee of the African Committee
Rabat – The Moroccan Bureau of Copyright and Neighboring Rights (BMDAV), was recently elected to chair the Executive Committee of the African Committee (CECAF) under the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), for a five-year term (2023-2027).
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This election took place following the meeting of the CISAC Executive Committee, held on November 27, indicates a press release from the BMDAV, emphasizing that this Committee is also composed of the Copyright Office of South Africa ( CAPASSO) as vice-president of the Ivorian Copyright Office (BURIDA), the Senegalese Society of Copyright and Neighboring Rights (SODAV), the Malawi Copyright Office (COSOMA) and the Cape Verde Copyright Office (SCM).
According to the same source, this choice demonstrates the trust enjoyed by the Moroccan Office of Copyright and Related Rights among CISAC members and its expertise in the management of copyright and related rights.
This distinction will allow BMDAV to move forward in its efforts, while allowing it to play an essential role in strengthening the collective management of copyright in Africa, the press release concludes.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Amina El Hassani, Expert in International Copyright Law
Editor: Good morning, Dr. El Hassani! Thank you for joining us today. There has been exciting news recently regarding the election of the Moroccan Bureau of Copyright and Neighboring Rights as the President of the Executive Committee of the African Committee within CISAC. What does this election mean for Morocco and the continent as a whole?
Dr. El Hassani: Good morning! Thank you for having me. This election is a monumental achievement for Morocco, highlighting the country’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights. It also brings a significant opportunity for Africa to elevate its voice in the global copyright landscape. With Morocco at the helm, there is potential for enhanced collaboration and coordination among African countries to address issues of copyright and neighboring rights.
Editor: That’s certainly a positive outlook. Can you elaborate on the role of CISAC and the significance of the African Committee in the context of copyright and cultural industries?
Dr. El Hassani: Absolutely! CISAC, the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers, is a pivotal organization that represents authors and creators globally. The African Committee focuses specifically on the unique challenges and opportunities that African nations face concerning copyright. By collaborating and sharing best practices, the committee can empower local creators and ensure that their works are protected and valued both regionally and internationally.
Editor: Interesting! Speaking of challenges, what are some of the primary copyright issues that African nations face today?
Dr. El Hassani: Some critical challenges include inadequate enforcement of copyright laws, a lack of awareness among creators about their rights, and limited resources for copyright societies. Additionally, the digital landscape poses new challenges, such as piracy and the difficulty of monetizing creative works online. These issues need to be addressed strategically to create a supportive environment for creators.
Editor: Given these challenges, what initiatives do you foresee the Moroccan Bureau might undertake during its five-year term?
Dr. El Hassani: I anticipate that the Moroccan Bureau will focus on strengthening copyright laws across the continent, enhancing educational programs for creators, and fostering a culture of respect for intellectual property. They might also work on establishing partnerships between countries to share resources and best practices, ultimately striving for a unified approach to copyright issues in Africa.
Editor: That sounds promising! How can creators in Africa benefit from this leadership change?
Dr. El Hassani: Creators can look forward to increased advocacy for their rights and potentially more robust mechanisms for enforcement. The leadership of the Moroccan Bureau could lead to better resource allocation for copyright societies, improved awareness campaigns, and opportunities for creators to participate in international dialogues on copyright issues. In the long term, this could stimulate growth in the cultural and creative sectors across Africa.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. El Hassani, for sharing your insights today! It’s clear that the election of the Moroccan Bureau of Copyright and Neighboring Rights is a significant step not just for Morocco, but for the entire African creative community.
Dr. El Hassani: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing the positive changes that will emerge from this leadership and the collaborative efforts that will benefit creators across the continent.