Sharjah: A Copyright Management Centre is expected to be established in the country to protect the intellectual property rights of writers in the Gulf region and the Middle East.
As to how the copyright centre will affect schools and universities, Shaikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Publishers Association's Board, told Gulf News: "Written works are central to the national curriculum, and while it is essential to expose students to these works, it is also vital to protect the rights of those making their work available to schools and universities."
The announcement was made in a recent meeting held between the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), the Ministry of Economy and the Emirates Writers' Union, where a proposal was submitted and approved to set up the copyright centre.
Currently, a team has been set up to create the necessary implementation mechanisms and to submit its report by June 3, as per the directives of Sultan Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy.
Al Mansouri's decision was aimed at speeding up the launch of the Copyright Management Centre, in order for it to fulfil its duties of serving intellectuals and writers across the UAE.
Proposal
"Essentially, the photocopying of any copyrighted material, which happens on a daily basis, is illegal. However, via the EPA's proposed Copyright Management Centre, photocopying agreements in the context of teaching can be put in place, outlining the terms for the use, dissemination and reproduction of copyrighted materials for educational purposes. This will benefit both students and the original authors."
The proposal covers written works such as books, newspapers, articles and publications, in accordance with the law.
The role of the Centre is a step closer to enhancing the local cultural scene, enabling it to cope with the comprehensive development being witnessed in the UAE.
