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The Administrator and Registrar-General of Sierra Leone, Martina Ebgbenda Esq., has provided crucial clarification on the country’s copyright protection system, emphasizing both the automatic grant of copyright and the importance of voluntary registration under the existing legal framework.
In her recent statement, Madam Ebgbenda explained that copyright protection is automatically granted to creators once an original work is created, ensuring that the creator retains exclusive rights to their work without the need for formal registration.
However, she highlighted that the Copyright Act of 2011 also allows for voluntary registration, which serves as a vital tool for reinforcing legal enforcement and providing additional proof of ownership should disputes arise.
Madam Ebgbenda went on to detail the registration process, which begins when an application is submitted to the relevant authorities. Once the application is processed, it is officially gazetted and remains open for a 60-day period during which the public may raise objections. If no objections are filed within this timeframe, the registration is formally granted, cementing the creator’s legal rights over the work.
Madam Ebgbenda further disclosed that the Copyright Act is currently under review. The ongoing review aims to align Sierra Leone’s copyright framework with international standards while addressing emerging challenges, particularly in the digital realm.
She noted that the proposed reforms would strengthen protections for creators, enhance enforcement mechanisms, and ensure the country’s intellectual property laws remain adaptive to technological advancements and the evolving creative industries.
The review of the Copyright Act is expected to improve legal protections for creators across various sectors, reflecting Sierra Leone’s commitment to maintaining a responsive and progressive intellectual property system.
