Guyanese artistes and business owners will soon be able to rest easy, as the Government embarks on updating and enforcing the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) legislation.
The IPR legislation allows creators to safeguard their work through patents, trademarks and copyrights, resulting in prevention of plagiarism, with the relevant laws as artillery should the need arise.
In an attempt to get the consultation process started, a panel discussion was held by the US Embassy on Friday, with the focus being the importance of the IPR and how it would affect and benefit Guyanese artistes.
One of the key points of discussion was the need for Guyanese to appreciate and respect local music, productions and property. This issue was raised by local talent Gavin Mendonca.
“What’s lacking in Guyanese society as a whole, from the chambers of Parliament to homeless people, is we seem to lack respect and appreciation for each other and for ourselves.”
Another area up for discussion was the need for the general public to be educated about the particulars of the IPR legislation.
In addition to Mendonca, the remainder of the panel included Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes; Head of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Vishu Doerga; Executive Member of the Guyana Women Artists’ Association, Dominique Hunter; Cultural Advisor to the Social Cohesion Ministry, Ruel Johnson; and Chairman of the National Communication Board, Enrico Woolford.
Guyana’s Trademark Act and Patents and Design Act were tabled in 1973, whilst the Copyright Act is dated 1956.
