Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) last week seized over 140 gadgets that were used for illegal transferring, photocopying, distribution and public performance of other people’s creative works in Kausungu.
The seized equipment includes 130 computers, 12 printers and bar equipment including stabilizers and 7 speakers.
The operation was conducted from 15th to 19th March 2021 in the areas of Madisi, Chinkhoma, Kasungu Boma, Nkhamenya and Chatoloma Chitete, Gundani, Kasalika, Chiteyeye, Kasankha, Juma, 4 Ways, Linga, Chulu.
The Licencing Manager Mr Mutty Mukhondiya said the raids have been intensified as part of ending the piracy which has affected many artists in Malawi.
“We are trying to end this habit of using other people’s work for selfish gains while the owner profits nothing. A lot of artists in Malawi do not really benefit financially from their work, and it has only gotten worse with the Covid-19 pandemic, as artists cannot perform thus killing their income generation, it is now more than ever that we as COSOMA are tirelessly making sure the artists get as much from the infringers,” he said.
According to the Copyright Act 2016, Section 95 and 96(2), COSOMA Inspectors may enter any premises whether in a ship, aircraft, shop or vehicle and upon production of his certificate of identification seize and detain any substance or article which he/she has reasonable cause to believe to be infringing any copyrighted work.
