CISAC and MCSC lead global dialogue on safeguarding music creators’ rights in the digital age

Dean Ormston
Articles

The 2025 Music Creators Seminar, co-organised by the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) and the Music Copyright Society of China (MCSC), brought together nearly 200 participants from more than 30 countries and regions in Beijing.

The event united music creators, CISAC member societies, policymakers, and legal experts to exchange views on the evolving landscape of music copyright and to strengthen international cooperation in protecting creators’ rights in the digital era.

Global leadership and shared commitment

Opening remarks were delivered by Wang Zhicheng, Director General of the National Copyright Administration; Dean Ormston, CISAC Board Chair and CEO of APRA AMCOS; Gadi Oron, CISAC Director General; and Yoon Myung Sun, APMA Chairman (via video message).

Guo He, Vice President of the Intellectual Property Law Association of China, and Lei Lei, MCSC Chairperson, also addressed the seminar, underlining China’s active role in advancing copyright protection and international collaboration.

The opening session reinforced the shared commitment of CISAC and MCSC to promoting fair remuneration and safeguarding the value of creative works worldwide.

Insight into China’s copyright landscape

Liu Ping, MCSC Vice Chairperson and Director General, presented the Overview of Copyright Licensing for Musical Works in China, a comprehensive report providing new data and analysis on licensing models, market developments, and the progress of collective management in China’s music industry.

CISAC-led discussions on global priorities

Three panel sessions, supported by CISAC representatives and international experts, addressed key issues shaping the future of music copyright:

  • AI and Copyright: Moderated by Benjamin Ng (CISAC Regional Director, Asia-Pacific), experts from Australia, Japan, Singapore, Italy, and China examined the impact of artificial intelligence on music creation and rights management, highlighting the need for balanced approaches that foster both innovation and protection.
  • Music in Audiovisual Works: Led by Professor Zhang Weijun of Zhejiang University, speakers from Hong Kong SAR, the United States, the Netherlands, and mainland China discussed licensing frameworks and equitable revenue-sharing models for music used in film, television, and streaming productions.
  • Copyright Buyouts: Chaired by Satoshi Watanabe (CISAC), creators from India, Thailand, Macao SAR, and Mainland China shared insights into the challenges of buyout practices and the importance of ensuring fair and sustainable compensation systems for authors.

Strengthening cooperation with China

During the seminar, Dean Ormston, Gadi Oron, and Benjamin Ng held a dedicated meeting with Wang Zhicheng to discuss enhanced cooperation between CISAC and China’s copyright authorities. The meeting focused on joint strategies to strengthen music creators’ rights protection and promote fair and transparent copyright practices.

Advancing global consensus

The 2025 Music Creators Seminar demonstrated CISAC’s ongoing leadership in uniting authors’ societies and creators worldwide. Through collaboration with MCSC and engagement with international experts, the seminar provided a vital platform for dialogue, shared learning, and global consensus on safeguarding creative value in the digital age.