PICC REPORT ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS IN THE PRINT INDUSTRIES SECTOR

Background to the Report

This Report on copyright in the print industries sector was commissioned by the Department of Arts and Culture, through the Print Industries Cluster Council (PICC), as part of a broader initiative to identify policy and development needs in the cultural industries. The Report deals in particular with copyright as an aspect of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and the impact of these rights on growth and development in the print industries sector. It therefore surveys the state of copyright as it relates to the written word and identifies ways in which copyright laws and practices in South Africa are aiding or inhibiting growth. Finally, it makes recommendations for further action that could contribute towards growth and development in the print industries sector.

The purpose of the Report is to provide recommendations for:

• A policy and strategy framework for the management of intellectual property, in particular the management of copyright;
• Government consideration and implementation; and
• The formulation of strategies that would contribute to industry growth.