Author: Flywell Samir Simkonda (The University of Livingstonia, Malawi)
Abstract: Technology is rapidly changing the communication setting of the today’s social and economic world. The emergence of new media brought about by modern technologies is significantly influencing the way people access literary, audio and video products. This experience has affected the protection of intellectual property rights in the world. Furthermore, little is known about copyright issues in Least Developed Countries. To that effect, the Malawi government enacted a Copyright Act in 2016 and an Intellectual Property Policy in 2019 to help safeguard the creation of the mind. However, even with the Policy and the Act in operation, Malawi still faces increased cases of intellectual property infringement, mostly through the use of new media technologies. In response, this study aimed at investigating the impacts of new media on intellectual property rights in Malawi. It employed a mixed research design and data was collected from artists in music and literary industries and from IP consultants. Analysis was anchored on two theories. The study established that new media has greatly impacted the protection of intellectual property rights in Malawi, affecting both the economic aspect and creativity of the artists. The study also found that new media has helped protect the copyright through legitimate digital markets. Legal structures such as the National Intellectual Property Policy and Copyright Act are not implemented and enforced enough to protect creators’ rights. Thus, the study suggests that government should provide more awareness programs to users and artists.
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This is amazing..