URSB, partners sensitize innovators about collective management of digital rights

The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), has convened a two-day workshop focused on the collective management of digital rights. The event brings together Collective Management Organizations (CMOs), digital platforms, Intellectual Property (IP) practitioners and key stakeholders in the creative industry to address the evolving landscape of digital rights management.

The 2-day workshop aims at enhancing the capacity of CMOs and digital platforms in effectively managing and protecting digital rights. According to the organisers, as the digital environment continues to evolve, there is a pressing need for robust systems that safeguard the interests of creators and rights holders necessitating sensitization on the subject.

Front-led by URSB, the national intellectual property office, discussions at the two-day workshop aim at strengthening collaborative efforts by fostering partnerships between CMOs, digital platforms, and regulatory bodies to create a cohesive framework for digital rights management and enhancing the technical capacities. By equipping participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of digital rights in the modern era, it is hoped that this workshop will also promote best practices by sharing insights and strategies that have proven effective in other jurisdictions, adapting them to the Ugandan context.

Ms. Mercy K. Kainobwisho, the Registrar General of URSB, represented by Mr. Gilbert Agaba, the Director Intellectual Property emphasized the significance of the workshop. “In today’s digital age, it is imperative that we adapt our strategies to protect the rights of our creators. This workshop is a testament to our commitment as URSB to fostering an environment where intellectual property in Uganda is respected and valued.”

Representatives from WIPO and ARIPO also expressed their support, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the challenges of digital rights management.

Key highlights at the engagement included expert sessions led by renowned professionals from WIPO and ARIPO who have highlighted international standards and practices in digital rights management, a panel session that discussed harnessing digital platforms for effective collective rights management as well as interactive sessions where participants discussed challenges faced by CMOs and digital platforms.

Deliberations were also held on the current legal and regulatory frameworks, with a focus on identifying areas for improvement to better support digital rights management.

The key commitments from the workshop include strengthening IP and copyright laws for better protection, enhance combating of digital piracy through enforcement and awareness, foster collaboration between CMOs, platforms, and regulators, engaging artists and legal experts in rights management, and ensuring sustainable digital ecosystems for creators.