Intellectual Property as a Tool for Economic Development in Tanzania-The Case of Copyright Protection

Mukoyogo, Frank (2013) Intellectual Property as a Tool for Economic Development in Tanzania-The Case of Copyright Protection. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

It is now widely acceptable that copyright protection and intellectual property in general can be an effective tool for economic development through innovation and employment creation. However, just like any other developing country, the potential of intellectual property has not been used effectively to bring positive impact to the national economy. This study therefore sought to assess the existing legal framework of copyright protection in Tanzania in order to identify any weakness, and if available, assessing their implications they might have towards the growth of copyright related industries in Tanzania. In this research, data was purely based on documentary review. During the last decade, considerable steps have been taken by the Government of Tanzania in regulating copyright protection. This follows the accession of the Berne Convention in 1994, and five years thereafter followed the enactment of the Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act, 1999. However, it was revealed that copyright related matters in Tanzania are politically handled, with key stakeholders demonstrating lack of commitment and/or seriousness, little knowledge, limited financial resource and the poor performance of Copyright Society of Tanzania, which is basically attributed to its legal framework. In line with the findings, the study recommended the need of reforming the Copyright Society of Tanzania, through separation of the two functions (i.e. as a copyright office and a collective management organization); the need to undertake a comprehensive study on the role of copyright protection, and intellectual property in general; and the need of having education and awareness programs to key stakeholder of copyright law in Tanzania, particularly the law and policy makers.

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