Celebrating World IP Day 2025: Driving Sustainable Growth in the Music Ecosystem
On 23 May 2025, we celebrated World Intellectual Property Day with a vibrant and thought-provoking event at the iconic Concert Hall in the Baxter Theatre. This year’s theme, "IP and Music: Feel the beat of IP", brought together diverse voices from across the music and legal sectors to explore how intellectual property can empower artists, creators, and the industry at large.
The panel discussion under the theme Leveraging IP for Sustainable Growth in the Music Ecosystem was a highlight of the day, featuring:
- Theo Herbst from the South African College of Music
- Murray Anderson, Milestone Studios
- Nick Pemberton, IP attorney at Von Seidels
- Claire Anderson, Milestone Studios
- And facilitated by Boipelo Manoko, RC&I’s IP Specialist.
Together, they unpacked the challenges and opportunities of protecting and monetising musical works in a rapidly evolving industry.
The guests were also treated to presentations. Vannessa van Coppenhagen expertly presented on IP as it relates to music. Niall Naidoo shared how IP rights enable innovation and creativity in music and how UCT ‘s RC&I is supporting this mandate.
A big thank you to all who joined us, shared insights, and contributed to a powerful conversation about the future of music and intellectual property in South Africa and beyond. We are thankful for the continued support from the National Intellectual Property Management Office.