NEW eBOOK: “Awakening The Lion” by Owen Dean
The CIP is proud to announce the publication of Prof Dean’s latest book, “Awakening The Lion – The Case of The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by Tafelberg Publishers. This book tells the story behind the story of a copyright saga that made international headlines and features Prof Dean’s first-person account of the pioneering and proudly South African case that made legal history. Background: After Solomon Linda, a struggling South African musician, composed what became the world-renowned song The Lion Sleeps Tonight (originally called Mbube), Linda signed away his...
Read MoreMedals, Models & Moguls – The Fashion News Roundup
In this special report, the VineOracle (IPStell’s personal pundit on all things IP) brings news (and her own brand of predictions) for the aesthetically minded visitor. And it is a star-studded cast of high-flyers (and fast swimmers) from Paris and New York representing some of the most exclusive brands. But do not be fooled by the A-list members on call, from what the VineOracle hears, these celebrities are prone to IP rights violations aplenty. Read on: Michael Phelps caught double dipping on the IOC’s bill The greatest Olympian in history retired from professional swimming at...
Read MoreAn Anthem To Ignorance – The Case Of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika
Articles dealing with Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika and claims by various parties that they hold copyright in it and are entitled to claim, and have claimed, royalties for its use and public performance appeared over the weekend of 17 June 2012 in City Press and Rapport, and possibly other newspapers. These articles claimed that, unlike enterprising third parties, the South African Government has missed out on vast sums of money by way of royalties for use of the song such as at major international sports events. With respect, these articles are well wide of the mark and exhibit a woeful...
Read MoreGOLDEN OLDIES? – Gallo Music v Sting Music
Gallo Music and Sting Music have locked horns in the South Gauteng Division of the High Court over copyright in certain songs named Thula Baba, Unomathemba and Siliwelile. Gallo claims that it owns the copyright in these songs and that Sting therefore required their authority to include them in the stage musical Umoja and that it is entitled to claim royalties arising out of the inclusion of these songs in the musical. Sting, on the other hand, claims that the songs are traditional and therefore in the public domain with the result that they are free for use by everyone, including...
Read MoreThe press(ing) matter – plagiarism and copyright infringement
A journalist who cannot define plagiarism is nearly as useful as a bucket without a bottom. Similarly, while the nation is expected to rise in defence of the independence of the press (and rightly so), one might be excused for thinking that all members of the media are capable of independent thought. Unfortunately, judging by recent commentary on the SA Press Code, the captains of our printed media understand as little about plagiarism as the ruling party does about intellectual property law. While addressing a hearing of the Press Freedom Commission earlier this week, Barney Mthombothi, the...
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