29 Nov 2016

Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) is mandated to protect intellectual property rights in Botswana.

Giving welcome remarks and project overview during a  CIPA youth extravaganza,  copyright administrator, Keitseng Monyatsi  explained that intellectual property refers to the  creations of the human mind including copyright, protected works such as music, books, poems, architecture, art, drama and photography.

“As CIPA we have realised that the creative industries have the potential to grow our economy and create much needed jobs,” she said.

Monyatsi further said it was important to teach the youth the basics of intellectual property and copyright so that those who have the ability and talent could have the information that they need to make a career out of their creativity.

Monyatsi further said the project has been ongoing since August 2016, and that they have been able to teach students that their intellectual property, which includes among others art, music and sculptures was an asset that could earn income.

She noted that students have also been taught how to respect other people’s intellectual property by not copying and distributing without authorisation, and that they could use their creativity positively to create jobs and contribute to economic growth.

For his part, the director of Signed International (New Look Studios), Johnson Otlaadisa said students have to respect their work and also redefine and align their talent.

He  emphasised students who do not do well in their final examinations should not despair, but should use their talent to earn a living and that people have to respect their intellectual property.

He said there were opportunities in Botswana and that only successful people see an opportunity in challenges and then takes advantage of the opportunities.   He encouraged them to take their talent seriously, saying if others have done it, they could also do it. ENDS