A Call To Protect Music and Other Copyrighted Works

Since the election season is coming up next year, it would be great if we could revisit IPOPHIL’s reminder during the 2022 elections. Due to the proliferation of infringement of Intellectual Property rights during campaigns, most notably the jingles of candidates, the IPOPHIL Director General Rowel Barba reminded the candidates to compensate the copyright owners whenever they are using their works. Another important point the Director General brought up is asking for the permission of artists to use their songs, artworks, etc. because some artists may not want to be associated with certain candidates due to their political stance, and such right is granted to them as copyright owners. Last is to secure the necessary licenses whenever they are using sound-recorded music to IPOPHIL accredited CMOs such as Philippines Recorded Music Rights. There are various ways to

ensure that the right holders of music are properly compensated. One of the most important ways is through securing a public performance license whenever music is being played on ground (i.e. campaign rally). Another is a mechanical license, whenever a composition will be repurposed into a campaign jingle. These are just a few ways to compensate artists; be sure to reach out to all right owners depending on the usage of their works.

This 2025 elections, let us remember to respect the intellectual property of all the right holders. Read IPOPHIL’s statement here: https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/news/ipophl-to-candidates-respect-ip-law-seek-permission-from-copyright-holders/.

To learn more about music copyright, contact PRM through info@prm.com.ph.