By Sapulain Chitonde Lee, Citizen Journalist
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-In a move to curb the growing behaviours of reproducing , duplicating and selling of other people’s artistic work without permission, Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) the past week confiscated over 70 computers and other gadgets used in committing the crimes in Lilongwe City .
Cosoma Inspectors had a mini-operation in Areas 36, 22, 23, Kaphiri , 6 Miles, and Chilinde in Lilongwe City, where among other things those found dublicating or photocopying other people’s work without authorisation their equipments was seized.
Meanwhile, Cosoma’s Licensing Manager Mathy Mukhondia has vowed never to retreat, saying it’s high time artists reaped much from the sweat and fruits of their labour, having complained for a long time that they are not protected and supported.
“This is why we resorted to have Police Officers seconded to our offices in order to help in enforcing the Copyright law. We are moving in the right direction.
“Let me categorically make it clear that all seized equipment shall not be returned to the owners until they pay and have a Cosoma license in relation to their business. Honeymoon is over”, Mukhondia said.
Similar operations are expected to be carried out across the country.
According to the Copyright Act (2016), offences of duplicating, reproducing , being found in possession, offering for salel and distribution of these pirated materials attract a maximum penalty of MK5 million and 2 years imprisonment with hard labour.
