Anti-piracy
About the URRO Hologram
The URRO hologram is a security sticker fixed to genuine books. It was introduced, with the authority of URSB, after head teachers asked how they could tell a genuine book from a pirated one. If a book carries the hologram, the buyer knows it is the real thing. If it does not, inspectors know to look closer.
Who needs a hologram? URRO sells holograms to publishers, authors and their agents, including book distributors. If you publish, distribute or self-publish books for sale in Uganda, the hologram protects your titles and tells buyers they are genuine.
- • Publishers buy holograms for the titles they publish
- • Book distributors buy holograms for the titles they are authorised to distribute in Uganda
- • Self-published authors buy holograms for their own works
The price of a hologram covers manufacture and shipping, and includes a contribution to public awareness, market surveillance by copyright inspectors and, where needed, legal action against pirates.
How to obtain a hologram
- Complete the hologram request form, listing each title and the quantity you need
- Attach proof of your right to the title: publishers and distributors attach their authorisation to publish or distribute the work in Uganda; self-published authors attach documents that show they own the work
- Pay for the holograms
- Collect your holograms and fix one to every copy before it goes on sale
Report copyright infringement
If you suspect a book is pirated, or that someone is copying or selling works without permission, tell us. Call or WhatsApp +256 772 580 287, or use the form on this page.
Your report should include:
- • The title of the book and, if you know it, the author or publisher
- • Where you found it: the shop, school, printer, market or website, and the town
- • When you saw it
- • Photographs, if you can take them safely, including the cover and the place where a hologram should be
- • Anything else that would help us, such as the price or the seller’s name
Your identity is protected. We do not disclose who made a report, and you may report without giving your name.
What the law says: For infringing content online, section 49A of the Act allows the Registrar or the copyright owner to require a service provider to block, take down or obstruct access to it. URRO acts for its members under section 80.
Protection that works
Security features in the hologram, combined with copyright inspectors and the police, help keep pirated works out of the market.
Report it
Call or WhatsApp +256 772 580 287 to report suspected infringement or ask about an application.