1st Philippine International Copyright Summit

IPO Philippines to address infringement issues in week-long summit

By Demi Braque

The Intellectual Property Office Philippines (IPOPhil) is currently holding plenary sessions in the ongoing 1st Philippine International Copyright Summit. The assemblage will thresh out all concerns on piracy and property rights infringements.

"The Bureau of Copyrights is a newly-instituted agency. Its vast coverage run the gamut from literature to the arts - encompassing photography, other visual arts, and the performing arts. This vastness in scope is what motivated us to mount this summit.

"From March 2021, a memorandum was issued recognizing the inherent powers of IPO Philippines. New processes are in place to address complaints of copyright violations and the same could simply be filed through email. Sites of violators on the broadcast sector will be blocked and/or taken down if found copying without legal basis or permission. Secondary liability is imputed to those who broadcast/publish copyrighted materials. There are more laws awaiting for enactment in Congress for the protection of creative rights," shared Atty. Emerson Cuyo, during a recent virtual press briefing.

He further stated that quoting a 'credit to the owner' (ctto) does not excuse persons from liability, although they may be exempt from plagiarism.

"Many artists and creators don't know their rights. It is also hard to consolidate the collective creative industry, especially that the different sectors have too many organization's within their respective turfs. We need to be united in copyright. Creators are considered MSMEs. This micro industry is believed to help us rise from the clutches of the global pandemic," intimated IPO Philippines director-general Roel Barba.

The IT Enforcement Office now receives complaints and actions for litigations. Moreover, IPOPhil is subscribed to an organization that monitors/detects piracy activities on the Worldwide Web.

"Copyright protection begins at the onset of creation, though there is a voluntary registration, which we encourage, to validate ownership. Penalties depend upon the frequency of infraction, and differs from violation to violation, and carries with it imprisonment and fines. Incarceration could run for a year and three months to three years for the first offense, to a maximum of 12 years in succeeding violations," informed deputy director-general Atty. Teodoro Pascua.

Interested persons, both natural and juridical, may view the ongoing plenary sessions via copyright.summit.asia. The first Philippine International Copyright Summit will run from Nov. 22 through Nov. 26.