24/04/2025
PRESS RELEASE 24/04/2025
NACZ Partners with DNM Attorneys to provide legal assistance to artists.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with DNM Attorneys, a leading law firm, to provide specialized legal assistance to artists across the country. This collaboration aims to empower creatives by offering accessible legal support in contract negotiations, intellectual property rights, dispute resolution, and other legal matters affecting the arts sector. This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to safeguarding the intellectual property (IP) rights of artists and ensuring that their creativity is not only celebrated but also legally protected and monetized.
Artists are the lifeblood of our culture and economy, yet many struggle with exploitation, piracy, and a lack of legal recourse when their work is stolen or misused.
This MOU represents a bold step forward in addressing these challenges by providing:
• Free legal assistance on issues to do with IP infringement on their work.
• Education on copyright, trademarks, and contracts to empower creatives.
During the MOU signing ceremony, NACZ CEO , Mr Napoleon Nyanhi said,“Our artists deserve to profit from their own work but they have been victims of piracy and unfair contracts, and this is robbing them of their livelihoods. I.P Issues are also important in the preservation of our culture. Protecting IP ensures that Zimbabwean art, music, and stories remain authentically ours. A secure legal environment attracts investment and fosters innovation in film, music, literature, and visual arts. We are honored to partner with DNM Attorneys, a firm with a proven track record in IP law. Their pro-bono services will be a game-changer for artists who previously had no access to legal assistance”.
In his signing remarks, DNM Attorneys Senior Partner, Moses Nkomo said, “We wish to see a viable and economically significant sector hence we have committed to give assistance through training and capacity building, legal support, policy and legislative interventions by educating the artists on what the law can do for them.”
DNM Attorneys promised to support NACZ in addressing the following areas:
• Legislative and Policy Framework – National Intellectual Property Policy
• State of Protection of Intellectual Property – advocating for deterring measures.
• Commercialization – Monetization.
• Management of Rights – Use of Trademarks, Trade secrets, Copyrights, e,t.c
• Enforcement – How artists can bring issues to attention in cases of violation.
As NACZ, we say to artists, your work has value. Protect it. Register with institutions that will protect your intellectual property, seek legal advice before signing contracts and report piracy and unauthorized use of your work.
Today is not just about signing a document, it’s about restoring power to the creators who shape our national identity. Through the signing of this MOU, we reaffirm that Zimbabwean art is not just for consumption; it is a legacy to be protected.
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