IPOPHL’s 2nd Philippine International Copyright Summit: Sustaining the Beat in the Fight for Intellectual Property Rights

QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES – PRM attended the 2nd Philippine International Copyright Summit (PICS) at Novotel Manila Araneta City last October 21 to 25, 2024, organized by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). The summit, entitled “Unlocking the Future: Tech Trends and Challenges in Copyright”, is an industry-wide event that revolves around copyright law and intellectual property rights, including IP on recorded music, which is within PRM’s interests as a collective management organization (CMO). PRM also provided music performers for the event, with help from its record label partners, specifically PolyEast Records and Offshore Music.

On the first day, PolyEast Records artist, Cedric Escobar, performed his original songs “Gasera”, “Pelikula”, and his rendition of “Got To Believe In Magic” for the opening ceremony. The rest of the day was filled with presentations giving a general overview of topics that would be discussed in succeeding days, such as technological advancements that would accelerate the process of filing for and checking the copyright of a work. During the evening’s cocktail afterparty, Offshore Music’s Carousel Casualties played an arsenal of both old and new songs, such as their 2017 release “San Junipero” and their most recent single, “Bakasyon”.

On the second day, which focused on music IP, PRM’s Head of Licensing, Francis Buen, participated in a panel discussion with Atty. Ivan Viktor Mendez of FILSCAP (Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, Inc.), David Taejin Lee of KOSCAP (Korean Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers), and Hon. Z’sa May Pe Lim about music copyright, moderated by Atty. Jeremy John C. Bayaras. The discussion tackled current music licensing practices, the enforcement of copyright laws concerning music, and the speakers’ future goals for the Philippine Music industry. Additionally, PolyEast Records artist, Ron Macapagal, performed his original songs “Comet”, “Bakit Bawal Kitang Mahalin”, and his cover of “Hari ng Sablay” before the discussion was held. 

fr L-R: Francis Buen, Hon. Z’sa May Pe Lim, Atty. Ivan Viktor Mendez, David Taejin Lee

During the discussion, Hon. Z’sa May Pe Lim brought up the need for there to be a greater effort in educating artists, business owners, and the public about the intellectual property rights for music, as well as the importance and roles played by organizations like PRM and FILSCAP. David Taejin Lee of KOSCAP presented the legal history and framework of the music copyright system in Korea and suggested that the Philippines could try to emulate it in the future if the circumstances allow. Francis Buen and Atty. Ivan Viktor Mendez introduced their respective organizations and then cleared up the differences between PRM and FILSCAP, explaining that the most fundamental difference between them is whose intellectual property rights they’re representing, with PRM for the rights for producers and performers, and FILSCAP for composers and songwriters.

One of the major highlights of the events was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Philippine COMELEC (Commission on Elections) and IPOPHL, which took place on the second day of the summit. It was signed by IPOPHL Deputy Director General Atty. Claire Cabochan and IPOPHL Director General Atty. Rowel Barba. The memorandum states that political candidates running for office cannot use the songs of recording artists, such as producers and performers, in campaigns without being permitted by the artists and giving them proper remuneration. This development empowers music artists, giving them more control over how their work can be used and providing them with more opportunities to earn from their craft. In line with PRM’s belief of giving credit where credit is due, the memorandum will allow artists to be properly recognized and paid for their contributions to whatever event or media materials their music will be used in. It represents a step toward protecting the intellectual property rights of music artists in all situations and growing the music industry, making music in the Philippines more sustainable for artists and producers alike. 

PICS upheld and continued the work in championing Intellectual Property rights, providing a platform for CMOs and other music stakeholders to share their businesses, and platforms, and engage in thought-provoking discussions on copyright law with professionals from other companies locally and internationally. The panel discussion on music copyright and the signing of the COMELEC-IPOPHL MOU captured the current state of the Philippine Music industry regarding copyright and gave a glimpse into its future for music artists and record labels. However, the fight for the intellectual property rights of artists and producers doesn’t end within the confines of a convention hall, it continues in the day-to-day operations of PRM as a CMO. 

For more Philippine Music news and updates, visit www.prm.com.ph

Written by Raui Supnet