An Overview of Legal Instruments for Copyright Protection in the Digital Environment: The Case of Cameroon

The worldwide improvement of digital technologies has given birth to several new ideas in computer-based works such as databases, computer programs, computer software, and other multimedia works on the internet which are enclosed under the notion of digital copyright law. In the current digital stage, the communication of these novel methods of intellectual property takes place through the internet in no period but the same internet has raised a novel set of difficulties to the copyright regime by increasing the chances of copyright infringement by various advanced means. The Internet in a way presents a wearisome situation for copyright author and holders as the users become mass disseminators of others copyright material and create disequilibrium amongst the authors and users. The purpose of this article is to illustrate on the evolution and conceptual framework on copyright protection in the digital environment. It demonstrates the historical development of copyright law in Cameroon from the WIPO perspectives to the colonial administration under Britain and France. The recognition of the colonial and post-colonial copyright Act could change our perspective on the understanding of the scope of copyright protection in the digital environment and what should be considered as appropriate in protecting the rights of copyright creators. The article examines the theoretical framework in the international, regional and national level for determining what should be the minimum standard of protection and infringement of copyright in the digital environment. It is believed that, with the understanding of these legal instruments, infringers, copyright holders and other stakeholders will be aware of their rights and obligations provided under international, regional and national laws in order to safeguard rights under copyright protection like the right to use copyrighted works, prevent others from using copyrighted works and authorize the utilization of copyrighted works. It is however suggested that, as the digital environment evolve, copyright laws should equally evolve in order to match the changing realities in the digital environment.