Cosoma accused of ignoring creatives' Blank Media Levy royalties concerns

• Creatives in Malawi have accused the Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma) of failing to address their concerns over royalty distribution.
• A planned meeting between Cosoma and creatives did not take place on Wednesday, leaving many feeling frustrated and uncertain about their rights.
• The situation has sparked debate about the role of Cosoma in protecting the interests of creatives in Malawi.
• If confirmed, Cosoma's alleged failure to address these issues could have far-reaching consequences for the entire creative industry in Malawi.

The situation highlights the need for greater accountability and oversight in the administration of the Blank Media Levy.

A planned meeting between the Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma) and a group of creatives, including producers and record label representatives, did not take place on Wednesday. The creatives had expressed concerns over the distribution of Blank Media Levy royalties, but it appears that Cosoma failed to address these issues in a timely manner. This lack of action has left many in the creative community feeling frustrated and uncertain about their rights.

The situation has sparked debate about the role of Cosoma in protecting the interests of creatives in Malawi. Critics argue that the organization's failure to engage with the concerns of its members undermines its purpose and effectiveness. As a result, many are now questioning whether Cosoma is truly serving the needs of the creative community.

The implications of this situation go beyond just the immediate concerns of the creatives involved. If Cosoma's alleged failure to address these issues is confirmed, it could have far-reaching consequences for the entire creative industry in Malawi.

The Blank Media Levy is a royalty distribution system that aims to compensate creators for the use of their work on various media platforms. In Malawi, the Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma) is responsible for collecting and distributing royalties, including the Blank Media Levy, as a Collective Management Organization. The administration and enforcement of copyright laws are now overseen by the Companies, Registrations, and Intellectual Property Centre (CRIPC). However, it appears that Cosoma's handling of these responsibilities has been inadequate, leading to concerns about the fairness and transparency of the royalty distribution process.

The situation highlights the need for greater accountability and oversight in the administration of the Blank Media Levy. This is particularly important given the potential impact on the livelihoods of creatives who rely on royalties to support their work. As one lawyer noted, 'the failure of Cosoma to address these concerns could have serious implications for the creative community, including non-payment or delayed payment of royalties.'

The case also raises questions about the role of regulatory bodies in ensuring that organizations like Cosoma are meeting their obligations. In Malawi, the Companies, Registrations, and Intellectual Property Centre (CRIPC) is now responsible for overseeing the administration and enforcement of copyright laws, but it appears that more needs to be done to ensure that these laws are being enforced effectively.

The alleged failure of Cosoma to address concerns over royalty distribution has significant implications for the creative community in Malawi. If creatives are not paid their rightful royalties, it can have a devastating impact on their livelihoods and ability to continue producing work. This is particularly true for those who rely heavily on royalties to support themselves and their families.

The situation also highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the administration of the Blank Media Levy. By ensuring that royalties are distributed fairly and efficiently, organizations like Cosoma can help to create a more sustainable and equitable creative industry. This is not just important for creatives, but also for the broader economy and society as a whole.

As one expert noted, 'the creative industry is a vital part of Malawi's economy, and it's essential that we get it right.' By addressing the concerns of creatives and ensuring that royalties are distributed fairly, organizations like Cosoma can help to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.

Lawyers advising creatives on royalty distributions may need to review the implications of Cosoma's alleged failure to address concerns, potentially exposing clients to non-payment or delayed payment of royalties.

Source: Original reporting via Nation Online