Title: Computer programs protection in Africa

Authors: Tshimanga Kongolo

Addresses: School of International Public Policy, Osaka University, 3-2-26, Nakazaki, Kita-Ku, Osaka 530-0016, Japan

Abstract: TRIPs has required member countries of the WTO to provide protection in regard to computer programs under the ambit of copyright regime as literary works. How do African countries deal with this issue? Are their copyright laws in compliance with the TRIPs Agreement? After scrutinising the copyright laws of some African countries, namely Nigeria, South Africa, and the new OAPI Agreement, this study has revealed that these laws and Agreement are in accordance with the TRIPs Agreement as regards the protection of computer programs, notwithstanding some particularities noted in the South African Copyright Act. We have recommended African countries to extend the application of the Berne Convention Appendix to computer programs.

Keywords: Africa; computer programs; copyright; Nigeria; OAPI; South Africa; TRIPs Agreement.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2003.003164

International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, 2003 Vol.2 No.2, pp.139-149

Published online: 13 Jul 2003 *

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