Protect intellectual property, encourage creativity

World Intellectual Property Day – April 26, 2004

As Lauren Bacall once said, “Imagination is the highest kite one can fly.” Many working in creative industries would agree. In order to keep flying that kite it is necessary to make a living from the products of the imagination. To get this message across the Geneva based World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has designated the 26th April 2004 World Intellectual Property Day. The theme this year is ‘Encouraging Creativity’.

Creativity is the lifeblood of both the arts world and the business world. Without it there would be no innovation, no improvement, no progress. Intellectual property rights spur creativity and encourage economic development. Copyright, in particular, and its related rights are essential to human creativity. They give creators incentives, recognition and economic rewards.

With a fair system of rights creators can be assured that their works are disseminated without fear of unauthorised copying or piracy. This assurance enables consumers to enjoy different cultures, a diversity of knowledge and a world of entertainment. Most of all, it encourages new creative industries, providing jobs and security.

The need for adequate copyright protection is not just a western issue affecting international popstars, writers, artists and film makers. The effects can be far more acute in developing countries and are a very real barrier to development. James Shikwati, Director of the Inter Region Economic Network in Kenya believes that Africans are incredibly creative but have focused too much on visible wealth, often leading to war over resources. He believes that Africa must focus more on invisible wealth, “What belongs to everyone, belongs to no one, and is therefore neglected. Africa must begin to protect intellectual property not only in order to help her own by making her people more innovative and creative but also to attract more investment and exchange of goods and ideas from other countries.”

Even when systems to protect intellectual property rights are in place, there is no guarantee of compliance. According to the International Federation for the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), pirate activity in Mexico has caused major music releases to fall by 30% in the last year and job losses for one third of people working in the music industry. This is costing the government thousands in lost taxes and stifling the development of a local music repertoire.

The Middle Eastern music market has a great deal of growth potential but suffers from piracy levels among the highest in the world. A well protected intellectual property environment is necessary to promote the recording industry in the region. Countries that support their recording industries stand to benefit greatly by creating new jobs, expanding their economies and encouraging the growth of local culture.

-End-

Notes to Editors:
World Intellectual Property Organisation: www.wipo.int

International Federation for the Phonographic Industry: www.ifpi.org

Expert list:

Colombia -- Andrés Mejía Vergnaud
Director General
Instituto Desarollo y Libertad
Bogota

India -- Bibek Debroy
Director
Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies
Delhi

Isreal -- Robert M. Sauer
President
Jerusalem Institute for Market Studies

Kenya -- James Shikwati
Director
Inter-Region Economic Network
Nairobi

Uganda -- John Kilama
President
Global Bioscience Development Institute
Wilmington, Delaware