29 Jul 2013

Few students show interest in science and technology-based careers, according to the chief research, science and Ttchnology officer, Mr Oabona Monngakgotla.

Speaking at a workshop on principles of intellectual property rights for practical subjects, organised by the Department of Research, Science and Technology in Francistown recently, Mr Monngakgotla said many students considered science a difficult subject and they ended up avoiding science careers.

Mr Monngakgotla said lack of knowledge on intellectual properties limitted the level of innovation, therefore they found it fit to engage teachers as they were important stakeholders in identifying and nurturing student talent. He further said intellectual property helped the economy to be productive and competent and created financial benefits to the idea inventors.

The Registrar of Companies', Ms Patience Majama said protection and enforcement of a property right was the full responsibility of the right owner. “All CDs and DVDs produced locally must have a hologram, which is a mark that distinguishes original and counterfeit products. This hologram has to be purchased by the originator of the work before selling the product to the consumers,” Ms Majama said.

Ms Majama noted the recent establishment of Copyright Society of Botswana (COSBOTS), which focused and dealt with broadcasting and communication of intellectual property in public.

She said COSBOTS collected funds from radio stations and other social places that played any local artists’ music publicly and the fees would be transferred to the artist by the organization. ENDS