The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) has sounded a warning to Kenyans over the use of memes after a video of two comedians went viral.
In a statement on Friday, KECOBO CEO Edward Sigei stated that a meme generated without the authority of the copyright owner is an infringement on their copyright.
“A meme generated without the authority of the copyright owner is an infringement on their copyright particularly the exclusive rights to reproduce, copy, adapt and publish since the original photograph or video undergoes some alteration and incorporation of a text,” Sigei stated.
In the viral video, the comedians, Arap Marindich and Tula, were captured mimicking rally drivers with their faces covered with dust.
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The duo was comically explaining their experience in a rally and since then memes generated from the video have flooded social media.
The KECOBO boss said that the memes had been utilized by individuals and corporates thereby raising significant copyright concerns.
He added that while the use of memes in social media is tolerated, their use for commercial purposes can attract significant civil liability.
“While the use of memes in social media is tolerated, its creation and use for commercial purposes can attract significant civil liability and must be cleared from authors,” Sigei added.
Sigei further stated that corporate bodies must consider conducting due diligence on the status of photographs or videos before being tempted to join the ‘fun’.
