MasterClass Training held in Nairobi
The first MasterClass Training Program on Collective Management of Copyright and Related Rights was held in Nairobi, Kenya May 18-25, 2022. Participants from thirteen countries (Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe) participated at the training organized by the Norwegian Copyright Development Association (NORCODE), in cooperation with ARIPO, IFRRO, CISAC, IFPI and SCAPR.
The participants had previously participated at the NORCODE Regional Trainings in Africa in 2017 and 2019. They had been invited to the MasterClass Training based on their performance and continuous effort and commitment to the enhancement of collective management of copyright and related rights in the region.
Aspects covered in the training included good governance, CMO role and reputation, communication, legislative reform and the CMO of the future together with current topics from all sectors of collective management. Ms. Mari Wallgren and Ms. Tarja Koskinen-Olsson were responsible for the academic program and moderation of the training. The participants played a key role all delivering speeches on chosen topics and presenting their individual development targets. Representatives from partnering organizations contributed to the training both onsite and online. It was a joint learning experience for all that took part.
Good Governance Training held in Accra
One of Olsson & Koskinen Consulting's focal points is supporting sustainable collective management of copyright and related rights in well-governed organizations. Collective management is a trust-based business. A prerequisite for successful collective managament is good governance and the number one reason for failure is the lack thereof. Solid governance structures and processes, accountable decision-making and transparency are the key components of good governance. In the pursuit of capacity building in this field, a pilot training on good governance for board members was held in Accra, Ghana November 29 to December 3 2021.
The goal of the training was to enhance the participants’ understanding of collective management as a trust-based business and the impact of good governance in CMOs. The role of the board and concrete actions in ensuring good governance were in the focus. Another important goal was to empower the rightsholders by improving their ability to monitor CMO operations and to actively take part in the decision-making processes.
Altogether 42 participants took part in the training during the different training sessions. They represented the three Ghanaian CMOs ARSOG (audiovisual), CopyGhana (text) and Ghamro (music) and rightsholders from the respective fields as well as the Copyright Office, Office of the Attorney-General and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture. Ms. Mari Wallgren and Ms. Tarja Koskinen-Olsson were responsible for the program of the training and moderation throughout all phases. Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji (Nigeria) participated as a resource person during the three first days. Ms. Inger Dirdal of NORCODE was responsible for all practical arrangements, in collaboration with the Ghanaian Copyright Office. The training was funded by NORCODE.
At the end of the training, all participants received a copy of Ms. Mari Wallgren's booklet on Good Governance for Board Members of CMOs. For table of contents and more details see information leaflet.
Henry Olsson has passed away
Our dear partner and the other founder of OK Consulting, Henry Olsson, passed away in July 2021. Henry dedicated most of his career to intellectual property rights, leaving a great legacy in the field of IP law. Henry was known worldwide for his vast experience, deep knowledge and understanding of intellectual property rights as well as his diplomatic skills, ability to manouver in international settings and most of all his friendly personality.
We thank Henry for his invaluable contribution to OK Consulting, and know that many will thank him for advancements in the IPR systems around the world. Henry will be greatly missed by his family and friends but also by colleagues around the world. His legacy will live on in his publications and teachings as well as many fond memories.