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The Future of Collective Rights Managment
Posted by PhilipE on Dec 08, 2008 at 22:29
As part of our commitment to promote fair remuneration and distribution of copyright proceeds to Artist, Younison attended a conference, organized by the World Intellectual Property Conference (WIPO), to discuss the future of collective management of copyright and related rights. The conference, which hosted all the major players including almost all of Europe’s collecting societies, Industry, academics and numerous organizations, took place in Brussels on the 24 and 25 of November. The debate ranged from the Copyright law in the digital age to the role of collecting societies in managing the rights in an increasingly difficult to control cyber age, to the justification and legitimacy of levies.
Piracy remains the knowledge economy’s primary problem. Especially since the widespread introduction of broadband, the ability to download illegally has become easier and faster. The fundamental principle of copyright remains untouched (right of property). However the piracy problem, especially in the new technologies, has caused a face off between, privacy and right to protection of property. We have seen decision makers grapple with this dilemma for ages, sometimes very clumsily and other times with very good ideas. We now seem to be at a cross road, with two very different paths. The first path is the delicate “control road”, which effectively means filtering, prosecuting and cutting internet connections to those caught with their hands in the illegal download “cookie jar”. This is the road that France has decided to take in their new proposed law, and has been debated in numerous other states across Europe. The other road is a proactive one, which means imbedding a moral compass on internet users and making people aware the costs of illegal downloads. To compliment this approach, many argue that the access to legal downloads need to be made easier and simpler- this however would require a reform of the current licensing system.
As expected, the conference did not come to any results; different countries are going to choose different routes, based on their own traditions and beliefs. However no matter what route they choose, one will not come around the fact the Copyright law as such will need to adapt to meet the challenges and realities of an industry that will become increasing dependent and focused in the digital world. New business models, i.e. Mymusic or the new music services offered by Nokia, are questioning traditional concepts of managing rights and organizing fair remuneration. Collecting Societies will have no choice but to adapt if they are to play a role in this new age. Also, the digital age should increase the pressure on them to become more efficient and transparent in their work.
The debate will continue, and we are going to continue to see new ideas, new ways battle with traditional beliefs in the management and enforcement of copyright.
Given the choice, what road will prove more effective in combating piracy and ensuring that artist profit in the new Cyber Age?
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