Despite many countries being in lockdown for a number of weeks to limit the spreading of the COVID-19 Pandemic, governments in Brazil, China, Kenya, India to name but a few have continued to publish consultations on copyright. IPA has continued to monitor and respond.
In South Africa, the defective copyright amendment bill (as well as the performers’ protection bill) has been referred back to the National Assembly by President Ramaphosa.
On June 1, 2020, member companies of the Association of American Publishers (AAP) officially filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Internet Archive (“IA”) in a New York District Court.
Publishers continue to curate, educate and entertain during COVID-19 pandemic.
The International Publishers Association congratulates publishers around the world who have been quick and innovative in their reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic. IPA also praises government actions to control the spread of the virus and support cultural industries. IPA calls for industry solidarity to overcome the economic impact the disruption will bring and appeals to national and regional governments to ensure all those in the publishing value chain are supported.
Award-winning Norwegian author Maja Lunde, satirical South African cartoonist Zapiro and eminent Indian statesman and author Dr Shashi Tharoor will be among the speakers at the 33rd International Publishers Congress, on 28-30 May in Lillehammer, Norway.
London Book Fair 2020 has been cancelled. All IPA events that had been scheduled to take place at the fair have been cancelled..