February 24: Stakeholders have stressed on the need to amend the existing Copyright Act 2059 and Copyright Regulations 2061 and bring a new act. They view that the existing law, which was enacted at a time when everything was done manually, cannot address the current needs where the country is on the verge of complete digitisation.

The participants during a discussion programme on ‘Copyright: Legal System and Challenges’ organised by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) suggested an amendment to the act.

They further suggested the government act to give more rights and responsibilities to the Office of the Company Registrar on the new law for its effective role.

Chief Guest Bhanubhakta Dhakal, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation requested the participants of the programme to submit their suggestions to the Ministry and expressed his commitment to implement them. Senior Vice President of FNCCI Chandra Dhakal said that effective work in the field of copyright protection would help in the promotion of songs, music and films as well as attract foreign investment in the country.

Copyright Registrar Bishnu Kumari Bhattarai said that amendments are needed in the existing laws and regulations and the Copyright Office is taking necessary steps to amend them. FNCCI Treasurer Sukuntalal Hirachan said that a society could not be imagined without songs, music and films. HIrachan added that the government should always be ready to support the development and expansion of art and literature in the country along with the protection of intellectual property of the creators.