Copyright law stakeholders and pundits are keeping a close watch on the progress of South Africa’s Copyright Amendment Bill, as it makes its way to the National Council of Provinces in Parliament this week for further deliberation.
Before the Copyright Amendment Bill can become law, it must be considered by both the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament. If the Copyright Amendment Bill is passed by both houses of Parliament, it then goes to the President for assent, which means that the President signs the bill into law.
In December last year, the National Assembly approved redrafted versions of the Performers’ Protection Amendment Bill and the Copyright Amendment Bill, that includes stronger protections for copyright holders but also a fair use provision for some users.
In the National Assembly, 197 Members of Parliament voted in favour of the Copyright Amendment Bill with four MP’s reportedly voting against it. There were no abstentions.
According to a Parliamentary meeting schedule seen by Intellectual Property Watch, the NCOP is expected to meet and consider the Copyright Amendment Bill on 13 and 27 February, as well as 6 and 27 March.
Image Credits: Wikipedia