Abstract:
Ethiopia's copyright laws confront formidable challenges as they endeavor to adapt to the complexities of the digital age. This study delineates key themes, including a critical review of Ethiopian copyright laws vis-à-vis their global counterparts, an evaluation of enforcement methodologies, and the identification of regulatory lacunae, while furnishing pragmatic recommendations aimed at fortifying Ethiopia's copyright ecosystem for the digital epoch. The research employed a doctrinal legal research methodology, conducting a comparative analysis of Ethiopian copyright laws with global internet law trends. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with professionals from relevant organizations like the Ministry of Justice and the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority. Secondary data sources included domestic and foreign literature on copyright laws. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data, identifying common themes and patterns. The study aimed to identify similarities, differences, challenges, and potential improvements in Ethiopia's copyright regime compared to global trends, offering recommendations for enhancement. The inquiry unearths a landscape characterized by antiquated legislation ill-prepared to tackle contemporary digital copyright dilemmas, resulting in impediments to effective enforcement and safeguarding of intellectual property rights. A multipronged approach to reform is advocated, encompassing legislative overhauls to confront digital copyright issues head-on, bolstering enforcement agencies' capacities through robust training and technological support, and instituting policy interventions aimed at heightening public awareness. Furthermore, fostering collaboration with domestic stakeholders and international entities emerges as imperative to foster a comprehensive copyright regime aligned with global standards.
