Cabinet OKs Copyright Act amendments in Jamaica

Title: Cabinet OKs Copyright Act amendments

Source: Jamaica Gleaner
Date Published: Saturday | April 23, 2011
URL: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110423/lead/lead2.html

Abstract:
The article reports on information provided by the Minister with responsibility for Information, Daryl Vaz, regarding the amendments to the Copyright Act. Mentioned is the idea of allowing for 'a voluntary deposit system for copyright works to be hosted by the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office'. Vaz also discusses an amendment that permit protection of 'first importers of sound recordings in Jamaica' with the first 'right of distribution'. Other amendments are also mentioned, including provision for orphan works and rights for libraries and archives to archive materials in digital formats.



Excerpt:

Cabinet has given approval for amendments to the Copyright Act to allow for exemptions to access to copyright works by persons with visual or hearing disabilities.


In addition, the act will be amended to change the duration of copyright for works created by the Crown and corporate bodies, and the making of provisions for access to 'orphan works'.

The amended act will also clarify the rights in adapted works and extend the rights of libraries and archivists to archive materials that are in digital format.

Jamaican 1993 Copyright Act amendments approved by Cabinet

Author: CHRIS PATTERSON, JIS Reporter
Title: Copyright Act to be amended
Source: Jamaica Information Service (JIS) news
Date published: Saturday, 23 April 2011
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/news/opm-news/27532-copyright-act-to-be-amended


Abstract:
The article reports on announcements made at a post-Cabinet press conference by the Minister for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz regarding amendments to the 1993 Copyright act of Jamaica with mention of several new provisions.

Excerpts:
Cabinet has given approval for amendments to be made to the Copyright Act, 1993.
Amendments include: exemptions for access to copyright works by the print and hearing disabled; the duration of copyright for works created by the Crown and corporate bodies;making provision for access to ‘orphan works’; and clarifying rights in adapted works.
Others will involve extending the rights of Libraries and Archivists to archive material that is in digital format; and protecting first importers of sound recordings in Jamaica, by ensuring them the first right of distribution of same.

Jamaican copyright violations robbing authors and publishers

Author: HG HELPS Editor-at-Large Investigative Coverage Unit icu AT jamaicaobserver.com

Title: Copy cats robbing book industry: Authors, publishers losing millions to people who photocopy material

Source: Jamaica Observer

Date published: Sunday, January 31, 2010

URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Book-industry


Abstract:
This article reports on perceptions of the status of copyright infringements in Jamaica. The effect of the infringements on Jamaican publishing industry is also mentioned, with a number of publishers and members of the book industry giving their perspective on the matter.

The Jamaican copyright law is also discussed while juxtaposed with the journalist's report on blatant infringements and violations of the law. The main perpetrators of the wholesale photocopying of books are said to be within the education sector. Also discussed are the initiatives to prevent against copyright as well as the lack of action taken to curb the violations. Reasons for the violations are also given.

Excerpt:

"It is estimated that thousands of students engage in the activity, although many of them are not aware of the dangers involved and the possible consequences.

But photocopying of copyrighted material has become commonplace in the Jamaican education sector, moreso at the tertiary level, leaving those who produce and distribute the material financially battered and defeated

Authors of books and those who publish the material are particularly and directly affected, as they estimate that hundreds of millions of dollars, which would normally have landed in their bank accounts, are instead fattening the pockets of education pirates in many instances.

Amendments coming to Jamaica's Copyright Act

Title: Copyright Act to Incorporate Internet Treaties
Source: Jamaica Information Service (JIS): KINGSTON
Date Published: Wednesday, August 26, 2009
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/commerce_science/html/20090826T190000-0500_20916_JIS_COPYRIGHT_ACT_TO_INCORPORATE_INTERNET_TREATIES.asp
Abstract:

The article outlines proposed amendments to Jamaica's Copyright Act. The proposed amendments will include newer regulations for Internet treaties. The concerns of several stakeholders are also highligthed, in particular, those from the library sector and those in the music industry. The findings of a World Intellectual Property Organisation study of the contribution of intellectual property to Jamaica's economy is also mentioned.

Brief background information on the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) is offered in the latter paragraphs of the article.

Excerpt:

The Copyright Act is to be amended, to incorporate provisions of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) 'Internet Treaties'.

This was disclosed by Manager, Copyrights and Related Rights Directorate at the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO), Miss Philippa Davies, during a seminar on Copyrights... at the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), on Half Way Tree Road.

"For example, the libraries have put forward a proposal that there be exemptions for the visually impaired to make copies of work without having to get permission from the author or without having to pay high royalties. That means converting a printed work into braille," Miss Davies said.

Government contemplating new draft copyright act by Year-end

Author: Richard Simon

Title: Government contemplating new draft copyright act by Year-end

Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Source: Government of Grenada

URL: http://www.gov.gd/News/aug08/copyright-act-20-08-08.html

Abstract from Source:

The Grenada Government is moving ahead with plans to ensure that the work of cultural and other performing artistes, as well as literary and other practitioners, are fully protected.

Grenada moving ahead with Copyright Act

Title: Grenada moving ahead with Copyright Act
Date: August 21 2008
Source: Caribbean360.com
URL: http://www.caribbean360.com/News/Business/Stories/2008/08/21/NEWS0000006214.html

Abstract:
Discusses the attempts by the Grenadian government in reforming their copyright legislation in order to make it more relevant to the modern age.


Abstract from Author/Source:
"The Grenada government is moving ahead with plans to ensure that the work of cultural and other performing artistes, as well as literary and other practitioners, are fully protected..."


Evaluation:
No author signed. Despite this, names of specific persons in the Grenadian legislative body are given, therefore providing useful contacts or sources to verify the information.