Official launch by Mr Dodo Monamodi, Chairperson of the Association of Independent Record Companies of South Africa and fellow independent high profile musicians on Wednesday, 07 December 2011 at 12:30 at Bassline, Newtown – Johannesburg

Firstly, allow me to paint a legal perimeter of the record companies’ operations and protections: South Africa is a party to most international conventions protecting intellectual property. Patents, trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs and models are legally recognised in South Africa, which was one of the first signatories to the Trademarks Law Treaty at the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). Secondly, the Counterfeit Goods Act (No. 37 of 1997) aims to protect against trading in falsifications of merchandise and products. To constitute an act of dealing in counterfeit goods (those that unlawfully bear or embody a trademark or mimic the appearance of other goods), the act also includes infringement on an intellectual property right. Therefore, the legislation complements the Trade Marks Act (No. 194 of 1993), the Copyright Act (No. 98 of 1978) and Section 15 of the Merchandise Marks Act (No. 17 of 1941).

We are gathered here today to launch AIRCO’s Anti-piracy Campaign 2012 – 2015, which is in line with our main objectives to protect the intellectual properties of our members. Ladies and Gentlemen, the record companies and our products (artists) who lose an estimated R500 million each year to piracy. Zahara, Sechaba, Zola, DJ Sbu, Intombi Zoma, Shwi, Lucky Dube, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Steve Hofmeyer, Chicco, Arno Carstens, Rebecca Malope, Mandoza, Joyous Celebration and the late Brenda Fassie are some of the most pirated artists in South Africa. Music piracy is one of the main reasons why young and upcoming local artists don't make it as artists in South Africa.

The sales of pirated CDs and DVDs were on the increase, which affects the economy, business of our record companies, lives of the artists and employment of our workers. In 2010, the Department of Trade and Industry, related government department and the music industry formations met at the Birchwood Hotel and made a declaration to fight piracy at all cost.

The Soundarchive GmbH specialises in the distribution of music and the licence-trade of music for film producers and advertising companies. An integrated publishing house regulates contract issues with the composers and licensers. The innovative Website SCORBE.com offers artists, musicians and composers exceptional marketing opportunities for their music.

Notice is hereby given that the Special Meeting of members of AIRCO will be held on February 11th 2009 at 10h00 at the Museum Africa Auditorium, Newton Precinct, Johannesburg.