Editor,

I don’t understand how barcodes technology will stop piracy. The latter is simply copying music illegally into CDs and selling it very cheaply. An original music CD goes for Rwf5,000 while a pirated copy can go for Rwf1,000.

Secondly, barcode is not enough. Like much of crime prevention efforts, it must be several strategies working together.

Is there an IP (internet protocol) law in Rwanda? What are the measures to stop piracy? Are law enforcement agencies and the public aware of this law? Do artistes know how to go about reporting and claiming compensation for IPs? Do the law enforcement agencies have an IP/fraud unit to track down the criminals? Does Rwanda Development Board (RDB) make it easier to register IP/or is the process lengthy and frustrating?

The artistes need to form an active professional association and work with both the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Sports and Culture to promote the local creative media industry which has the potential to employ thousands of people.

I also hope the ministries have a strategy for this and will actively promote this lucrative industry.

Kigali Girl

Reaction to the story, "Intellectual property: RDB now to introduce barcode” (The New Times, May 2)