THE Reprographic Rights Organisation of Zimbabwe (RROZ), a newly established collective management organisation (CMO) mandated to administer reprographic rights in Zimbabwe has announced that it is officially commencing operations and is now issuing licences in accordance with the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act [Chapter 26:05] of Zimbabwe.
“All entities involved in the reproduction of copyrighted works — including copy shops, libraries, and educational institutions — are required by law to register with Reprographic Rights Organisation of Zimbabwe and obtain the necessary licences,” the statement released recently read.
“Failure to comply will result in penalties under the Copyright Act, including possible closure of non-compliant businesses by relevant authorities.”
All stakeholders are urged to engage the organisation to ensure a fair, legal and sustainable book industry in Zimbabwe to combat piracy, protect intellectual property, and ensure creators are rightfully rewarded for their work.
RROZ chief executive officer Anthony Rimau told NewsDay Life & Style that besides avoiding legal consequences institutions that comply will benefit since the organisation will be collecting fees from institutions that reproduce copyrighted materials, ensuring creators receive fair compensation.
“Compliance contributes to the growth and development of the Zimbabwe’ creative sector. It ensures creators’ rights are respected and their work is not reproduced without permission or payment.”
The organisation is a government-approved CMO responsible for licensing and collecting royalties for the reprographic reproduction of literary works in Zimbabwe and was established to safeguard the rights of authors, publishers and other right holders in the book industry by ensuring fair compensation for the reproduction of their works.
It operates under section 97 of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, which empowers CMOs to license and collect royalties for the use of copyrighted materials.
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“Zimbabwe’s book industry has suffered greatly due to rampant piracy and illegal photocopying, which have deprived creators and publishers of their rightful income,” the statement read.
“This has stifled creativity, discouraged investment in local literature and weakened the education and publishing sectors.
“RROZ is committed to reversing this trend by ensuring that right holders receive due compensation while fostering a fair and friendly environment for all stakeholders, including educational institutions, copy shops and businesses involved in reprography.”
Masimba Tinashe Madondo is the chairperson, while Obey Chitowamombe is the legal adviser and Garikai Kajaji is the operations manager.
Since its registration late last year, RROZ has been on a nationwide awareness campaign, engaging publishers, authors, universities, schools and photocopying businesses to inform them of the legal requirement to obtain reprographic licences.
