Copyright Infringement in Tanzania Book Industry: Legal and Institutional Measures

Abstract

The main objective of this research study was to carry out to what extent copyright infringement is done in Tanzania Book Industry. This included identification of issues, challenges and recommendations in the implementation of the Copyright Laws in the United Republic of Tanzania. The study was conducted in the United Republic of Tanzania and the participants in the study were people from different institutions Universities, Libraries, Copy shops, and the public. A total of 30 people were interviewed; the study applied the purposive sampling technique in singling out the right participants from the population. The study used qualitative methods; data collection was done by using structured and unstructured questionnaire. The finding is that copyright infringement is done in the book industry at a large extent. There are many issues and challenges which Tanzania is facing that need to be addressed for effective implementation of Copyright Laws. IP contributes to the economic growth of a country as a whole. The outcome showed that the literature review has supported the findings of the study that IP is a strong feature of the international, regional trade arrangements and national legal instruments. Development of technology has increased infringement; there is inadequacy of the Tanzanian law on digital related issues and lack of enough experts. The study recommends harmonising enforcement systems in Tanzania and reforming the laws to accommodate development in copyright and particularly in literary works which is not concentrated much.