News

We wrote recently about the outcome of the Licences for Europe exercise of the Commission that sought to identify practical solutions to making more content accessible online across EU member states. The Commission has now just launched a consultation on copyright reform which is seeking the views of all stakeholders with an interest in copyright issues. The consultation will close on 5 February 2014.

This consultation will give the opportunity to GESAC, the organisation behind this website, to re-iterate how crucial it is to have a solid European framework to improve the worryingly precarious conditions of authors online. Beyond the interests of authors, what is at stake is the preservation of cultural diversity and the development of the entire European cultural and creative sector. The recent studies released by the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights show the significance of the sector for employment and economic growth in Europe.

The Observatory recently published a study on the economic impact of industries that rely heavily on Intellectual Property (IP), the so-called IP-intensive industries. The key facts to keep in mind are:

• 50% of EU industries are IP-intensive
• 1 in 3 of all EU jobs rely on IP-intensive industries
• 39% of the total economic activity (GDP) in the EU relies on IP

This study is the first edition of a trilogy. Last week, the second part was released. It focuses on the perception of IP by European citizens. A few interesting facts:

• 96% of Europeans agree that protecting IP is important
• 86% agree that protecting IP contributes to improving the quality of products and services
• 69% value IP because it contributes to the creation of jobs and economic well-being

To complete the picture, the last study of the trilogy, to be published next year, will focus on the impact of infringement of IP rights on the European economy.

The debate in Brussels about copyright policy has long been lacking robust data to support decision-making. The IP Observatory studies will help our leaders take informed decisions on the future of copyright in the interest of European citizens.

We would encourage you to visit the brand new website of the IP Observatory for more interesting facts about intellectual property in Europe.

We wrote recently about the outcome of the Licences for Europe exercise of the Commission that sought to identify practical solutions to making more content accessible online across EU member states. The Commission has now just launched a consultation on copyright reform which is seeking the views of all stakeholders with an interest in copyright issues. The consultation will close on 5 February 2014.

PRESS RELEASE

(Oslo, November 28, 2013) For Norwegian composers, songwriters, lyricists and music publishers, 27 November 2013 is a day to celebrate. On that date exactly 85 years ago, TONO saw the light of day.

Norway’s Minister of Culture, Thorhild Widvey, congratulates TONO:

“TONO has been invaluable to Norwegian composers, lyricists and music publishers throughout its 85-year existence. TONO facilitates the use of music in Norwegian society, and ensures that the content owners are rightfully compensated for the use of their work. In this way, TONO has encouraged an ever-growing fund of new music to be created for the enjoyment of society at large. I congratulate TONO, all Norwegian music creators and the Norwegian people on TONO’s 85th anniversary,” she said.

More than 24,000 Norwegian music writers
As of November 2013, more than 24,000 Norwegian music writers are part of TONO.

“Today, TONO is in many ways a popular movement of composers, songwriters, lyricists and music publishers in Norway. What they all have in common is a strong commitment to expressing themselves through music and lyrics, and to enriching the lives of others with what they have in their hearts,” said TONO’s CEO, Cato Strøm.

Looking ahead

TONO is currently a leading performing rights organization, with a solid and integrated organisation, excellent international relations, a large membership and customer base. It is also an active partner for music providers on the internet, which is where music consumption is increasingly taking place.
“In our 85th year in existence, I am pleased to say that TONO is one of the performing rights organizations in Europe that have succeeded in adapting to the challenges thrown at us by today’s digital age. It could not have happened without skilled employees, and the dedicated representatives of composers, lyricists and music publishers. I would also like to mention the importance of Nordic cooperation. By working together we have developed “state of the art” systems that enable effective rights management across national borders,” he said.

Press Release
Brussels, 26 November 2013

The European Parliament’s JURI Committee has today approved the Collective Rights Management Directive. This follows the agreement of the Trialogue earlier this month and marks a significant step towards the Directive being formally adopted early next year.
GESAC, on behalf of the 33 societies it represents across Europe, welcomes the agreement on the Directive by the JURI Committee. The Directive highlights the key role of collective management organisations (CMOs) in negotiating deals with licensees and securing fair remuneration to creators. It aims at setting European wide standards of transparency and governance, which are essential to ensure that relationships with rightholders and users are based on confidence.
GESAC has welcomed the CRM Directive from the beginning of its legislative journey. The completed text confirms the crucial role that author and rightsholder members play in overseeing the operations of their societies. It also sets a legal framework that accompanies the development of the online market for the cross-border use of music and the solutions already provided by CMOs to organise rights clearance in a manner that is efficient for users and respectful of rights holders’ interests.
CMOs are producing innovative solutions to assist the development of the online market both in the form of simplified licensing offers and in international collaborations driving greater efficiency in data management and better access to content. Common technical solutions and licensing hubs are examples of CMO leadership in this area. These solutions are crucial to swifter market development, and they offer up access to greater numbers of repertoires encouraging business users to access to the full range of creative content produced throughout the European Union.
GESAC regrets however that the opportunities to guarantee cultural diversity were not taken as necessary, since it is uncertain whether all repertoires will be offered by digital services on a pan-European basis.
GESAC General Manager Véronique Desbrosses commented, “This process has sparked the political interest for collective management and how CMOs contribute to economic growth and continuous cultural creation in the EU. Authors’ societies lead the way to meet the needs of the online market and are essential to ensure that authors and rights holders are adequately paid”.