Members of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) in Quthing are set to attend a one-day sensitization meeting on Copyright Law at the District Administrator’s Hall on Wednesday next week. The meeting aims to enhance their understanding of copyright regulations and enforcement, particularly in relation to intellectual property rights.
In an interview with the Agency, the District Tourism Officer, Mrs. ‘Matlotliso Koro, explained that the meeting is being organized by the Department of Culture in collaboration with the Lesotho Copyright Society of Authors (LECOSAA). The focus will be on key aspects of the Copyright Law, including the recently published Broadcasting, Public Performance, and Communication to the Public Tariffs No. 114 of 2024.
Mrs. Koro emphasized that the session will also cover copyright licensing procedures, particularly for commercial users of music. This is expected to equip LMPS officers with the necessary knowledge to handle copyright-related issues effectively in their line of duty.
LECOSAA, a Multipurpose and Membership-Based Collectively Managed Organization (MMO), was established under Section 31 of the Copyright Order of 1998 and became operational in 2021 with support from the Department of Culture. The organization plays a vital role in protecting the rights of authors, artists, and other creative professionals by ensuring proper licensing and enforcement of copyright laws.
By engaging law enforcement officers in this training, authorities hope to strengthen copyright protection in Lesotho, ensuring that artists and content creators receive fair compensation for their work. The meeting is expected to foster better cooperation between law enforcement agencies and copyright regulators, ultimately contributing to a more structured and legally compliant creative industry in the country.
