PAVRISK officially commissions MELTA, PERAK as collection agencies
The Performing and Audio-Visual Rights
Society of Kenya (PAVRISK) has officially commissioned the Metropolitan Small
and Medium Liquor Traders Association (MELTA) and the Pubs Entertainment and
Restaurants Association of Kenya (PERAK) as its designated collection agencies,
in a significant move aimed at enhancing copyright licensing operations.
The commissioning follows a successful
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on August 15, 2024, and comprehensive
training sessions for officials from both MELTA and PERAK, preparing them to
undertake copyright licensing activities effectively.
During the commissioning event, PAVRISK Board
Chair Edward Waigwa reiterated the organization’s commitment to collaboration
with Business Membership Organizations (BMOs) and users of copyrighted works.
"As I mentioned on August 15th, PAVRISK
does not intend to antagonize BMOs or users of copyrighted works. Instead, we
aim to collaborate firmly with all BMOs, making collection and compliance easy
for everyone," said Waigwa.
The new collaboration is addition to prior
ones that PAVRISK already has with other organizations such as Retail Trade
Association of Kenya (RETRAK), Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers
(KAHC), the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO), and the Association of
Private Medical Institutions.
PAVRISK has now embarked on developing the
2025/26 tariff structure in line with Section 46A of the Copyright Act 2001 and
Section 26 of the Copyright (Collective Management) Regulations 2020.
The new tariffs are designed to reflect the
evolving economy while safeguarding the interests of both artists and users.
"We are actively engaging users to
ensure their input is properly captured in the new tariffs," Waigwa added.
PAVRISK's licensing comes at a time when other institutions in the same field are facing challenges.
Waigwa
emphasized the importance of legal compliance, stating: "It is crucial for
any company, society, or institution involved in collective management to first
obtain a valid registration certificate from the Kenya Copyright Board and have
a gazetted tariff, as required by Section 46(2) and Section 46A of the
Copyright Act 2001. PAVRISK has met both requirements."
As MELTA and PERAK begin their role as
collection agencies, PAVRISK has urged the public to remain vigilant against
individuals or groups masquerading as copyright licensing officers.
"PAVRISK issues official invoices and licenses, and all operations by MELTA and PERAK will be conducted within PAVRISK's *553# system to avoid any structural discrepancies. Our hotlines, 0732 721 721 and 0719 477 477, remain open to assist where needed. Please do not pay outside PAVRISK's official Paybill or account," Waigwa cautioned.
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