Why property rights matter for the poor

IP protection is vital for African development, explains the US ambassador to Tanzania in today's Tanzania Daily News. At a conference in Dar es Salaam he told of local musicians who miss out on rewards for their work due to rampant counterfeiting. IPN has previously argued that African music industries are unable to grow due to copyright theft, driving away investment. The ambassador also noted the importance of independent, strong courts and a free press in tackling counterfeiting.