By Rahim Abdul
In a move expected to reshape the protection of creative works in Malawi, the Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Malawi Police Service (MPS) to strengthen enforcement of the Copyright Act of 2016.
Rather than focusing only on policy, the collaboration places law enforcement at the centre of the fight against copyright infringement, recognising that effective protection of intellectual property depends heavily on trained and empowered police officers.
The partnership will see COSOMA working closely with the police to build a deeper understanding of copyright law, particularly in an era where digital piracy and illegal distribution of creative content are on the rise.
At the heart of the initiative is the development of a structured training programme designed to equip officers with practical skills in handling copyright related investigations and prosecutions.
Through these trainings, police officers are expected to gain clarity on how to identify copyright offences, collect evidence and work with prosecutors to ensure cases are successfully concluded in court.
The collaboration also seeks to improve coordination among police units across the country, ensuring that copyright enforcement is consistent and effective in all regions, not just in major cities.
For Malawian artists, the partnership represents renewed hope, as many have long complained that weak enforcement has left them vulnerable to exploitation and loss of income.
COSOMA believes that by strengthening police capacity, artists will be better protected, allowing them to focus on creating music, films, books and other works without fear of their efforts being stolen.
The initiative is also expected to send a strong message to offenders that copyright violations are serious crimes that will no longer be treated lightly.
Beyond enforcement, the partnership reflects a broader commitment to building a culture of respect for intellectual property, encouraging the public to value and support original creative work.
By aligning the goals of COSOMA and the Malawi Police Service, the collaboration bridges the gap between rights holders and law enforcement, creating a united front against copyright abuse.
Ultimately, the alliance aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for Malawi’s creative industry to grow, ensuring that creativity is rewarded and protected under the law.