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The Jamaica Constabulary Force's (JCF) Organised Crime Investigation Division (OCID) and the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) have teamed to sensitise the public to the implications of breaching Jamaica's copyright laws.

Details were unveiled at a joint media briefing hosted by both agencies, at the Police Officers Club, Hope Road, Kingston, on Tuesday (August 25).

Head of the OCID, Superintendent Fitz Bailey, noted that the initiative comes in light of a seeming unawareness of the dangers which trading in illicit goods, such as bootleg music compact discs (CDs) and movie digital video discs (DVDs), pose for Jamaica in the global context, in addition to threatening the livelihood of the owners of the material.

To this end, he said that both agencies will collaborate on developing a programme targeting these individuals, which they will embark on, shortly. He pointed out that, in light of Jamaica being a signatory to various conventions and treaties on intellectual property, failure by the local authorities to enforce anti-piracy laws, as stipulated by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), would tarnish Jamaica's image, globally.

50,000 illegal CDs and DVDs

In disclosing that the police have seized over 50,000 illegal CDs and DVDs, and made some 70 arrests in connection with these activities within the Corporate Area since January, Supt. Bailey underscored their responsibility to ensure that the copyright legislation is enforced.

"Currently there is a proposal on the table for Copyright legislation, including (the) Trademark and Patent Act, to be taught at the police training school, so that those (graduates) who are coming fresh out of training will have an appreciation of the legislation, and assist with the enforcement," he outlined.