The International Music Copyright Protection Conference, held on February 26 and 27, 2025, at the Vietnam Center for Music Copyright Protection (VCPMC), showcased collaboration among representatives from various collective management organizations (CMOs) worldwide. The event brought together 30 delegates from countries such as Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, India, as well as territories like Taiwan, Macao, and Hong Kong to strengthen music copyright protection and exchange knowledge about data processing and information technology relevant to copyright issues.
According to Hoàng Văn Bình, Vice General Director of VCPMC, the initiative has garnered attention from the world’s CMOs. "I am pleased with the presence of global CMO representatives contributing to the reach of VCPMC’s initiatives," he said. This conference marks a significant step for Vietnam as it seeks to align and accelerate the protection of music copyrights consistent with global trends.
The conference featured insightful presentations from VCPMC representatives about the challenges and advancements occurring within the sphere of digital copyright management. Key topics focused on digital data reconciliation, sharing of digital usage reports, and the utilization of copyright management tools offered by platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
Zhang Jing, representing the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), highlighted the pivotal role CMOs play within the music industry. Zhang stated, "The role of Collective Management Organizations for the music industry is very important. VCPMC has clearly demonstrated its role in licensing and distribution, as well as activities related to copyright and Vietnamese musicians. The music community has benefited from the activities of VCPMC." He noted the importance of meetings like this one, which facilitate the exchange and sharing of experiences on data processing and information technology, as they contribute significantly to enhancing protections for members' rights.
Throughout the two-day event, discussions circled around the unique perspectives and specific challenges faced by different countries when it came to music copyright and data management. Attendees engaged vehemently, providing feedback on actions taken by their respective organizations and sharing solutions to common obstacles. Notably, Nitin Kothare, Manager of Digital IPRS, discussed the importance of data reconciliation, CCID file creation, and the use of exclusion rules within licensing and user engagement.
The conference not only addressed operational challenges but also underscored the importance of collaboration among copyright management entities on both national and global levels. Choo Ing, Distribution Archive Manager of the Malaysian Association of Copyright (MACP), spoke on the advantages of advanced copyright management software like Wallet 2.0. Her insights gave attendees valuable knowledge on utilizing technology to improve the efficiency of managing music copyrights.
The breadth of discussions emphasized how technological innovations impact copyright ownership and data distribution within the music industry. Participants shared their views on how to document usage effectively, ensuring transparent and accurate identification of ownership across diverse platforms. The insights shared pave the way for enhancing the community’s collaborative efforts to develop the music industry cohesively on a global scale.
Reflecting on the outcomes of the convention, Zhang Jing concluded, "At this meeting, the exchange and sharing of experiences on data processing and information technology will not only improve protection measures for members’ rights but also contribute to the development of the music industry as a whole." The sentiments were echoed widely throughout the room, illustrating the mutual commitment to advancing copyright protection and supporting the rights of musicians.
With the rapid advancement of digital technologies and the increasing diversity of digital platforms, the need for effective copyright protection measures has never been more urgent. This meeting provided the ideal platform for CMOs to address existing problems and propose clear strategies to overcome these significant challenges. A collaborative spirit permeated the discussions, signaling the resolve of the international music community to fortify the structures safeguarding artistic rights.
Overall, the International Music Copyright Protection Conference represented not just the convergence of ideas and experiences, but also the commitment to developing strong copyright frameworks. Moving forward, participants expressed optimism about the continued enhancement of music copyright processes and the possibility of nurturing relationships among international stakeholders, thereby enriching the global music industry.