The High Court has referred back to the Registrar a long-running case in which cinematographer Dillian Prinsloo is suing the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) for US$363,400 over alleged copyright infringement.
Prinsloo claims ZBC unlawfully broadcast his original audio-visual production on ZTV without authorization. He is seeking damages of US$363,400 and an additional US$8,909, or the equivalent in Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), at the prevailing official exchange rate.
The matter first appeared before the High Court in June 2021, where both sides agreed that determining damages required independent technical expertise. Prinsloo recommended the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO), while ZBC proposed the Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office (ZIPO). Justice Tawanda Chitapi then invoked section 19A of the High Court Act, appointing a referee to handle the technical aspects of the case.
Intellectual property specialist Nancy Samuriwo was named referee, and by July 2021, both parties had presented their submissions. However, three years later, no ruling has been issued.
Frustrated by the lack of progress, both Prinsloo and ZBC have now asked the court to consider replacing Samuriwo. In response, Justice Chitapi has directed the Registrar to obtain a progress report from her within 14 days and to file any ruling she may have completed.
The case remains unresolved pending the referee’s update or the possible appointment of a new evaluator.
