The key message throughout the series of events for World Intellectual Property Day was looking at music as intellectual property and that creators deserve recognition and reward. The event attracted over 400 participants throughout the three days. The WIPD Media Launch was well attended – the MUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Nokuthula Sibiya was there to assure the artists that they would receive some assistance from MUT and its partners; there were also key stakeholders such as the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Durban Film Office (DFO), Small Enterprise Development Funding agency (SEDFA), the media, high school learners, TVET college students and University of Zululand, Durban University of Technology and University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Dr Hlongwane was happy with how things went. “I think the series of events was successful. The tone was set from the media launch by highlighting the importance of intellectual property and monetising musical creations. Also, I will investigate the role the MUT IP office plays in ensuring that we raise IP awareness and the need to bridge the gap between creators and industry. The roadshow featured several case studies from the industry sector, such as IMPRA, KUMISA and artists, who shared their experiences in the music sector.