CISAC engages with Bulgaria on CRM Directive implementation, private copying and cable operators

A CISAC delegation met with the Bulgarian government in Sofia on March 15th to address the failure of cable operators in honouring their copyright commitments, and to lobby for improvements to Bulgaria’s malfunctioning private copying system.

Bulgaria adopted a new law implementing the European CRM Directive on March 15th. CISAC was in Bulgaria in February, when it pointed out the need for proper implementation of the directive in line with best practices in Europe.

CISAC Legal & Public Affairs Director Adriana Moscoso del Prado and CISAC Regional Director for Europe Mitko Chatalbashev joined Filmautor’s Director General Maria Palaurova and President Victor Bojinov in meetings with Bulgarian Ministry of Culture Copyright Department Director Mehti Melikov.  

Creators’ rights in Bulgaria are not being properly enforced as cable operators wrongly interpreting the country’s Copyright Act.

In response to CISAC’s call for action, the Ministry committed to support local and international rights holders represented by Filmautor. The Ministry expressed hope that the new law will improve the situation. 

CISAC also joined the "Conference on Intellectual Property – Copyright”, organised by the Bulgarian EU Presidency and Ministry of Culture. Panels addressed progress on implementing the CRM Directive, as well as private copying and reprography. CISAC member societies GEMA and Artisjus were involved with the panels as well.

Adriana Moscoso presented the CISAC Private Copying Global Study, highlighting the need for proper implementation of private copying in Bulgaria. Bulgaria is one of only five EU countries that have not put in place a proper system to collect and distribute private copying remuneration.

Bulgarian National Television interviewed Adriana Moscoso as part of MUSICAUTOR’s “The Price of Creativity” project. Her interview can be viewed here. The entire programme can be viewed here.