A motion tabled by the Minister of Industrialization and Trade (MIT), Lucia Iipumbu, is set to bolster intellectual property rights by ratifying the Kampala Protocol on voluntary registration of copyright and related rights to streamline copyright protection across African states under the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO).

The Kampala Protocol promotes voluntary registration of copyrights, offering creators clearer legal rights and enforcement avenues.

It also fosters regional cooperation by harmonising intellectual property laws to spur creativity and innovation.

This move follows Namibia's signing of the protocol in December 2021 to enhance the protection of intellectual properties crucial to cultural, economic, and social development.

As one of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation's 22 member states, Namibia's ratification requires authorization from the National Assembly.

The decision coincides with the development of a new copyright bill to formalise the registration process.

"Namibia registers creative works, although there is no legal provision for them. Through the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Protection Act, of 1994. This anomaly will be addressed by the Copyright Bill once it is promulgated. Namibia's ratification of the protocol has potential benefits; the voluntary registration of copyrights and related rights reassures business communities and opens doors for the right holders."

This step is expected to harmonise copyright practices within ARIPO, boosting confidence among stakeholders and enhancing the protection and management of intellectual property assets in Namibia.

If approved by the National Assembly, the protocol will align the country with international standards, facilitating easier cross-border recognition and enforcement of copyrights.

However, concerns linger over potential administrative burdens and the protocol's effectiveness in providing comprehensive intellectual property rights protection.