Bookseller in court for violating copyright law

Accra, Sept. 23, GNA - Frank Adipa, a book seller, on Wednesday appeared before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly violating the copyright law.

Adipa is said to have reproduced, duplicated and imported into Ghana for sale a book titled "Speeches that Changed the World" authored by Simon Sebag Montefiore.

The book, which was solely distributed by EPP Book Service Ghana Limited, was allegedly supplied to Silverbird Lifestyle Store for sale. Adipa has pleaded not guilty to copyright and related right offence under the Copyright Act. The court presided over by Mr D.E.K. Daketse admitted Adipa to bail of GH¢15,000 with two sureties to reappear on October 14.

Adipa's counsel contended that he did not intend to pirate the book. According to counsel, EPP supplies Adipa with books and that he (Adipa) bought the book in question from Nigeria, during an International Book Fair.

He said Silverbird Lifestyle contracted him to supply it with some of the books, which were currently available on the market. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mr P.K. Frimpong said in January 2008, a United Kingdom Publisher, Quercus Publishing PLC, publishers of a book titled "Speeches that changed the world," appointed EPP Books Services Ghana Limited as the exclusive agent and distributor of the book in West Africa.

In July, this year, the General Manager of EPP Book Service Ghana Limited, saw a copy of the book at Silverbird Lifestyle Store at the Accra Mall and bought one.

After a close observation and examination, the General Manager realised that the book was of low quality and identified significant differences in the book. A report was made to the Police who went to Silverbird Lifestyle Store and recovered four of the books. The Manager of Silverbird Lifestyle intimated to the Police that the books were supplied by Enovident Bookhouse owned by Adipa's company. 23 Sept. 09