Namibia has become the first member state of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to launch and operationalise the Copyright Module of the Industrial Property Administration System (IPAS 4.0), a specialised extension of the WIPO's digital intellectual property office suite. The module enables national registries to process, manage and facilitate the voluntary registration of cultural, artistic and literary works.

The new platform, launched by the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA), allows creators to voluntarily register their copyrighted works online from anywhere in Namibia.

BIPA CEO Ainna Vilengi Kaundu said the digital system will make copyright registration more accessible, particularly for young creatives, while supporting the commercialisation of their work.

WIPO Head of Global Delivery and Support Hisham Fayed said copyright exists automatically once an original work is created, but voluntary registration provides important proof of ownership if legal disputes arise.

Applicants will be required to use a Namibian identity document, while minors may register through a parent or guardian.