Oxford and Longhorn in row over Kiswahili publications

By Nancy Akinyi

Two leading publishers have locked horns in a copyright infringement suit over a Kiswahili dictionary.

Oxford University Press (EA) Ltd has sued Longhorn Publishers and four co-authors for copying key sections of two Kiswahili dictionaries — Kamusi ya Kiswahili and Kamusi ya shule za Msingi.

The four co-authors are John Gongwe, James Saleh, Adam Shafi from Tanzania and Kenya’s Kimani Njogu.

Oxford says it is the publisher and co-author of the two publications and argues the defendants have infringed on its copyright by branding Longhorn’s version Kamusi Kamili ya Kiswahili.

Oxford argues that Longhorn’s publication is its original work and accused them of copying and publishing it extensively without permission. The court heard that the publication and distribution of the defendants said book for purposes of trade has caused confusion in the public domain.

Permanent injunction

The situation has interfered with the sales of the plaintiff’s original work, causing serious loss and damage. The plaintiff estimates that it incurred expenses to the tune of Sh 360,270.40 in investigations, expert opinion, workshops and travelling expenses.

Oxford wants a permanent injunction to restrain the defendants and their servants from reproducing or imitating its two publications and a halt to further printing or publication of the ‘controversial’ Kamusi Kamili ya Kiswahili.

Commercial Court judge Martha Koome certified the matter urgent and scheduled hearing for Friday next week.