Local producers are being encouraged to better understand their copyright rights and how to protect their creative work, following a copyright refresher workshop hosted by the Vanuatu Intellectual Property Office (VIPO).

The workshop, held through VIPO’s Copyright Unit following last week’s two-day Vanuatu Made Trade Show, brought together local artists, tailoring entrepreneurs, weavers, film and music producers, textile producers, value-added product makers and other local businesses.

Producers encouraged to understand their rights

The session focused on what copyright is, what types of creative works can be protected, and why producers need to understand their rights under Vanuatu’s copyright legislation.

Copyright provides legal protection for original creative works and gives creators certain rights over how their work is used, reproduced, distributed and commercially exploited.

Jean Pierre from the Vanuatu Intellectual Property Office said many local producers are highly creative but remain unfamiliar with how copyright protection works.

“A lot of our local producers have produced great products. One main challenge is that they are not familiar with what copyright does.”

He said producers sometimes complain when another person copies their ideas, despite the potential of their products.

The workshop was intended to help close this knowledge gap and encourage producers to take greater ownership of their creative work.

“We want our local producers to understand that there is a system in place to protect their creative works.”

Copying remains a concern

For some producers, understanding copyright is particularly important because their designs and products may be copied without permission.

Tousong from Tousong and Co said she has participated in the Vanuatu Made Trade Show since it began in 2019.

She produces decorative products including mirrors, wall decorations and Christmas trees, using locally available materials such as coconut leaves, coconut broom and husk, pandanus leaves and tree bark.

Her products have been purchased by restaurants, hotels and households.

“So far, I’ve seen some people copying my ideas and products without my consent and not paying any royalty for using my idea.”

Tousong said the workshop gave her an opportunity to learn more about copyright and how she can protect her work.

“I am here to get more information and have all my products registered.”

Copyright can also create income

The workshop also highlighted that copyright is not only about preventing others from copying creative work.

For creators and producers, copyright can provide opportunities to earn income through licensing and other authorised uses of their work.

This is increasingly relevant to Vanuatu’s creative and value-added industries, where producers combine traditional knowledge, local materials, contemporary designs and entrepreneurial ideas to create products for domestic and tourism markets.

The workshop provided information on keeping evidence of original work, understanding copyright rights, seeking permission when allowing others to use creative work and exploring licensing arrangements where appropriate.

Provincial copyright associations established

Another key development during the workshop was the establishment of a provincial copyright owners association under the Vanuatu Copyright Management Society.

Mr Pierre said the society plays an important role in managing and administering the rights of copyright owners.

“Under the Vanuatu Copyright Society Management Act that establishes this institution, the role is to administer the rights of copyright owners. It administers, manages, monitors, licenses and redistributes whatever financial rewards they receive through licensing.”

He said the legislation requires representation from each province.

“Under the Act, it requires representation from each province, so an aim for the office is to establish associations across all provinces of Vanuatu.”

The establishment of provincial associations is intended to strengthen the national copyright network and provide copyright owners across Vanuatu with greater opportunities to learn about their rights and participate in managing their collective interests.

Understanding the difference between ideas and creative works

The workshop also explained that while not every idea or product is automatically protected by copyright, original artistic, literary, musical and other creative expressions may receive protection under copyright law.

This makes it important for producers to understand the difference between an idea itself and the original creative expression of that idea.

For local artists, musicians, filmmakers, designers, weavers and other producers, copyright awareness can help them better understand how their work can be protected and how they may benefit when others are authorised to use it.

As Vanuatu continues to promote locally made products through initiatives such as the Vanuatu Made Trade Show, VIPO is encouraging more local producers to become familiar with the copyright system and understand how their creative work can be protected.

For producers like Tousong, protecting original creative work is also part of building a sustainable business, ensuring that creativity and innovation are not only celebrated but also recognised and valued.