Seminar encourages creativity

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 22 May 2017, 12:00AM

A national seminar on copyright has pushed for more original compositions reflecting the Samoan spirit. 

The message came from the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour, Lautafi Fio Purcell, during the opening of the National Seminar on New Developments in Copyright and its Role In Sustainable Development last week. 

Gao Hang the Director of the Copyright Development Division of the World Intellectual Property Organization (W.I.P.O) was among the officials at the seminar.

She spoke about the importance of the two-day meeting.

“We are living in times of rapid change, particularly technological change in which innovation and creativity are at the heart of any modern knowledge based,” she said. 

She noted that Samoa several weeks ago celebrated the importance of Intellectual Property and they focused on young students “who are innovators.” 

W.I.P.O and M.C.I.L organised the seminar with financial support from Australian Government. 

Lautafi noted the importance of new developments in copyright and its role in sustainable development. 

“Samoa acceded to the Beijing Treaty last month. I believe this is important for Samoa and all the parties to the Beijing Treaty as it recognizes the rights of performers of audio-visually fixed works. 

“These type of Seminars are important in helping all stakeholders including Government Ministries to have a better understanding of such treaties and other developments in area of copyright to help formulate relevant recommendations for Government Policies and Legislative developments.” 

The Minister noted discussions on the Collective Management Organization and the experience of the New Zealand Office for Australasian Performing Rights Association and the Consumers and Communications Branch of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. 

“This is important for Samoan Musicians, Producers and Broadcasters so they are able to get financial rewards and protection for their works to ensure that creators of Samoan music and other works are encouraged to create more original compositions reflecting the Samoan spirit.” 

He thanked W.I.P.O and the Government of Australia for their continuous support to the government of Samoa.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 22 May 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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