World Book and Copyright Day
World Book and Copyright Day, celebrated on April 23rd, is a day dedicated to promoting the enjoyment of books and reading. It is also an occasion to recognise the scope of books, most importantly business publications, that serve as a crucial link between the past, present and future of business by documenting the history, evolution, and current trends of organisations and industries. These publications provide valuable insights into the strategies, challenges and successes of organisations, serving as a repository of knowledge for future generations. Additionally, the day aims to encourage access to publications and the protection of intellectual property through copyright laws.
By chronicling the experiences and lessons learnt by businesses over time, business publications help to preserve institutional memory and facilitate learning from past mistakes and achievements. This historical perspective is essential for understanding the context in which businesses operate and making informed decisions for the future. Moreover, business publications play a vital role in shaping the future by disseminating innovative ideas, best practices and emerging trends. They serve as a platform for thought leaders, experts, and practitioners to share their insights and visions for the future of business. This exchange of ideas helps to inspire innovation, drive change and shape the future direction of industries and economies.
Like other creative works, business publications are safeguarded by copyright law. Copyright protection grants the creators of original works, including business publications, the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, perform, and display their works. It is a legal framework that shields the rights of individual and business creators and owners of digital content, such as text, images, videos, and software, from unauthorised use, reproduction, distribution, or modification. To secure a business publication under copyright law, the work must be original and fixed in a tangible form, such as written in a book or saved in a digital file. Copyright protection is automatic upon the creation of the work. However, individuals and organisations are encouraged to apply for copyright protection, which in Kenya is filed with the Kenya Copyright Board and covers copyrights to literary works as well as music audio and video works. This underscores the importance of copyright protection, making the audience aware of its necessity and significance.
Copyright protection allows the copyright owner to control how their work is used and to benefit financially from its use. This protection extends to all forms of the work, including printed publications, digital publications, and online content. If someone wants to use a copyrighted business publication, they generally need to obtain permission from the copyright owner, unless their use falls under a limited exception or fair use.
In the digital age, there has been a critical need to redefine publications and ensure their continued protection through copyright. Publications are no longer simply written or printed works consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side and bound in covers. Today, books include digital or electronic publications accessible on devices such as e-readers, tablets, smartphones and computers and take various forms, including text-based works, interactive multimedia experiences and enhanced editions with features like audio narration, video clips, and hyperlinks.
On this World Book and Copyright Day, we celebrate the crucial role of business publications in shaping the future by disseminating innovative ideas, best practices and emerging trends. They serve as a platform for thought leaders, experts and practitioners to share their insights and visions for the future of business. This exchange of ideas helps to inspire innovation, drive change and shape the future direction of industries and economies.
