Forum promotes regional cooperation over copyright law

Collective management organizations specializing in music copyright law strengthened their ties at the Second Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA) Collective Management of Copyright in Music Works Forum.

Around 150 attendees from the mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau discussed protecting creators’ rights through collaboration.

With support from the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), the forum brought together government officials, industry leaders, legal experts, academics, and other stakeholders to address key issues facing music creators in the digital age.

Wang Zhicheng, Director of China’s National Copyright Administration, emphasized the importance of protecting intellectual property rights to drive innovation. He said it is crucial to continuously develop and improve China’s distinctive copyright collective management system.

He outlined key priorities: accurate positioning of copyright organizations, extensive communication with rights holders and users, balancing the interests of rights holders and users, strengthening cross-regional cooperation, and proactive promotion of regulatory improvements.

“Protecting intellectual property rights protects innovation,” said Wang. “It is crucial to continuously develop and improve China’s distinctive systems of copyright collective management.”

The forum featured the premiere of an original song titled “Remember,” that celebrated creators’ passions for music and the vital role of copyright protection. Keynote speakers from the event’s organizers – the Music Copyright Society of China, the Composers and Authors Society of Hong Kong, and the Macao Association of Composers, Authors, and Publishers – highlighted how collective management helps solve challenges rights holders face in tracking the usage of their creations, as well as negotiating licenses.

Chan Tze Wai, Deputy Director of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Macau SAR government, described the GBA as “the most vibrant, innovative, active and vital region,” with the culture industry being essential to its industrial development. He acknowledged the importance of music as both a core cultural product and a driver of sustainable economic growth, identifying it as a crucial industry for economic and social development.

According to Chan, the purpose of the summit was to promote music copyright development and the original music culture industry whilst also addressing the changes in music creation and dissemination due to globalization and digitalization. He saw the summit as a valuable communication platform for local and international representatives, focused on promoting cooperation and innovation in music copyright management.

Chan emphasized the importance of intellectual property as a key driver of local creativity and innovation, with the Macau government committed to protecting intellectual property across all industries. He stressed the need to ensure effective copyright protection and balance the interests of copyright holders and users, with an emphasis on promoting intellectual property rights to stimulate creative industries.

Chan encouraged participants to share experiences and promote progress in music and copyright management and expressed a commitment to strengthening cooperation with the mainland and Hong Kong. He aspired for Macau to become an innovative hub for cultural and copyright industries, with continued support for the health of institutional copyright management systems.

“The development of the GBA offers extensive opportunities for cooperation, and the results of their collaboration will undoubtedly contribute to the prosperity and international dissemination of Chinese music and culture,” said a keynote from the event’s organizers.

A panel discussion examined the impact of artificial intelligence and the internet on music creation, with creators and experts exchanging views on the value of music, the protections afforded by collective management, and the evolving digital landscape.

“Collective management organizations provide a convenient channel for music users to legally use a large volume of music works more efficiently through centralized licensing,” said a representative.

The successful forum has strengthened cross-regional ties among the copyright organizations, aligning their efforts with international standards and laying a solid foundation for the long-term development of the music industry and related cultural sectors in the GBA.

“This has sparked the social effectiveness of copyright collective management for music works, playing an important role in safeguarding the legal rights and interests of music creators and promoting the lawful use of music works,” said the press release.

By fostering greater cooperation and public awareness around copyright protection, the forum aims to help Chinese culture reach a wider global audience. Victoria Chan