Guyana: Consultations on Modernizing Copyright and Intellectual Property Laws to Be Held

President Irfaan Ali has announced that the government will soon initiate consultations aimed at modernizing copyright and intellectual property (IP) laws in Guyana. This decision comes amid ongoing concerns regarding the inadequacy of current legislation related to copyright and other forms of intellectual property rights.

In response to inquiries from Demerara Waves Online News, President Ali expressed his eagerness to gather insights from the artistic community on these matters. He suggested that initial consultations could take place via social media platforms, indicating a desire to prioritize this issue on the government’s agenda.

The President’s announcement follows remarks made by Government Efficiency Minister Zulfikar Ally, who identified creative and digital industries as key sectors that would receive financing from the upcoming Guyana Development Bank. However, during a recent event, Ally was unable to provide specific details regarding the protection of rights for creative works.

Guyana has yet to replace the outdated 1956 British Copyright Act, which has been in effect since the country gained independence in 1966. Previous attempts to enact modern copyright and IP legislation in the early 2000s were hindered by a lack of political will. The People’s Progressive Party Civic had promised legislative reform during its election campaign last year, but progress has been slow.

The National Assembly has not yet addressed a motion from the opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) that calls for the establishment of a bipartisan select committee to expedite the development of new copyright laws.

During a visit to Guyana, US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg emphasized the importance of respecting private property and intellectual property rights as essential for attracting private investment and fostering economic growth.

Dr. Karen Abrams, Founder and Executive Director of STEM Guyana, also highlighted the challenges posed by weak intellectual property protections during a recent panel discussion. She described the local market as limited and competitive, with significant poverty affecting innovation.

Dr. Abrams advocated for the establishment of a national science foundation to support research and development, as well as the need for individuals to seek IP protection internationally. She stressed the importance of addressing educational challenges to cultivate a robust innovative ecosystem in Guyana.

Earlier this year, APNU parliamentarian Nima Flue-Bess filed a motion to create a special select committee tasked with reviewing existing copyright laws and addressing gaps related to digital rights and enforcement. The motion also calls for consultations with stakeholders in the creative industry to ensure their needs are incorporated into a new legal framework.

Source: demerarawaves.com

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