What Happened in January? The IPSERIES Edition: Mickey Mouse, Makola Queen, World Braille Day, K-Pop and More
#MickeyMouse #MakolaQueen #WorldBrailleDay #Kpop #Fandom #TakedownNotice #Copyright #Ghana #Trademarkfacts
Hi IPFRIENDS
January was a busy month for the IPSERIES team, as we worked hard to bring you the latest and greatest content from around the world. if you are new to this newsletter, welcome, to the first edition of the #IPSERIES newsletter for 2024. My name is Rita Anwiri Chindah, a legal advisor and consultant on Intellectual Property, Information Technology, and Arbitration based in Rivers State. I provide updates on trending global issues with an African bias and with forward-looking opportunities.
I’m glad to be back with another edition. If you have yet to read the previous editions and you are wondering how you can access them, kindly click here to access them.
Are there stories you’re keen to share with me and want me dig into? Share a lead with me via this email address: ipseriesinfo@gmail.com; follow me on Twitter and Instagram.
Let’s Dig In
Did you know that the annual IPSERIES Top IP highlight clocked 5 years in December? check the link to read and listen to the 2023 highlight and previous versions.
First story
I am of the view that the most anticipated story in the intellectual property community always starts with Public Domain Day signifying the end of an era and this year's most famous work to go into the public domain was (drum roll please) created by Walt Disney, in 1928 - Steamboat Willie, the first sound cartoon.
What is a public domain (PD)?
These are works that are no longer protected by intellectual property rights, such as copyright, trademark, or patent. Meaning they can be used, copied, modified, distributed, or performed by anyone without permission or payment. In other words, Public Domain Day signifies the world of intellectual property expiration. So, my dear IPFRIENDS, you can read the carousel as shared on Linkedin, or X or listen to the podcast version to learn more about the public domain.
Other highlights include:
- A dispute arising from Ghana meant to honor the life and achievements of the Ghanaian market woman who led a revolt against British colonial rule in 1948 was showcased at the University of Ghana, by the Théâtre Arts department without the consent of creators of #MakolaQueensTheMusical Ama Asantewa Diala and Nii Dromo Yartey. This author shared a guide for protecting intellectual property rights in the performing arts and how educational institutions can avoid legal disputes in theatre productions while highlighting the rights that performers enjoy in the Ghanaian Copyright Act 2005 and the Nigerian Copyright Act 2022, what are the best practices and tips for avoiding legal disputes and resolving them amicably?
- We marked World Braille Day on January 4th, the birthday of Louis Braille, the inventor of the writing system for the blind and visually impaired. We highlighted the importance and benefits of braille literacy, as well as the challenges and opportunities for its promotion and accessibility. We also celebrated the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
- The protection of traditional cultural expressions and intellectual property rights given the recent events surrounding Olivier Rousteing, Balmain's creative director, and his collection at Paris Fashion Week has been accused of appropriating Sarah Diouf's Tongoro brand's signature "Cairo" face piece, cultural insensitivity, and lack of recognition of African creativity. Stay tuned for the podcast version which will be live in February.
- We will also be introducing an IPFRIENDS request box every last Friday of the month, so start writing to us and we will read out the top three (3) requests on our podcast.
- In this digital era, if you do not know how to handle infringers online, then this post on the takedown procedure will guide you but also talk to a copyright lawyer or engage the services of a copyright law firm to assist you.
-If you work in the entertainment industry, do consider the benefit of owning and exploring trademark protection by learning a thing or two from Dwayne Johnson, also known as "The Rock," for striking a groundbreaking deal with TKO Group, the parent company of #WWE and #UFC. Johnson not only secured full ownership of his iconic stage name but also joined their board of directors. Congratulations to “The Rock”.
- How do K-pop fans create and share content inspired by their idols? What are the legal and ethical issues of fandom collaboration? Tune in to the ipseries podcast episode 127, where Ana Clara Ribeiro discussed the interplay of Intellectual Property and Fandom: The Role of K-Pop Fans in Content Creation and Sharing. 🎧
- Every January 28 is set aside to celebrate “Data Privacy Day” with the theme Take Control of Your Data. This is done to “serve as a reminder of our fundamental right to privacy and the importance of protecting our data from unauthorized access, misuse, and exploitation.
- And more! We covered topics such as New Year's resolutions for intellectual property owners. We hope you enjoyed reading our articles, listening to podcasts, and watching our videos, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting content in February.
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To find out more about the issues raised in this newsletter including intellectual property, performance rights, trademarks, scope of copyright protection, and K-pop. You can contact me by sending an email to ipseriesinfo@gmail.com.
Thank you for your support and feedback. Stay tuned for more updates from IPSERIES!
