Copyright Amendment Bill needs to comply with Marrakesh Treaty
The Coalition for Effective Copyright believes SA should lead in Africa on access for blind and print-impaired people
With the Copyright Amendment Bill having been passed by the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, and now with the presidency to be signed into law, the Coalition for Effective Copyright in SA has approached the president to refer the bill back to the National Assembly for a complete redraft. Various arguments have been put forward on the unconstitutionality of the bill and its conflict with international treaties. At the same time, concern has been raised by certain stakeholders and other communities about the impact a redrafting of the bill and postponement of its advantages might have on the urgent needs of and continuing challenges to print-impaired persons. If SA were to accede to the “Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled” and adopt amendments to the Copyright Act that are compliant with the terms of the treaty, these advantageous outcomes will be achieved. However, ...
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