Korea Copyright Protection Agency and CISAC sign Memorandum of Understanding

In recent years, South Korea has emerged as a leader of the digital revolution. It has not only given the world K-Pop and Korea Wave artists, but has also become an inspiration in growing collections of copyright-protected works in the online environment. The share of digital collections in the country have reached levels not often seen elsewhere and trump other sources of revenue such as radio, TV and live concerts. Thanks to the Korean digital market’s rapid development, the country is now the 8th largest music market for music royalties in the world. 

Sustaining and encouraging this growth, as well as enhancing copyright protections in Korea was the focus of a meeting on February 22nd between the Korea Copyright Protection Agency (KCOPA) and CISAC. Part of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, KCOPA is the government agency in charge of promoting copyright protection in the country. KCOPA plays a central role in supporting the development of a legal music market by tackling piracy, blocking infringing websites and certifying websites or stores legally distributing content with a "Copyright OK" designation. This designation protects the rights of copyright holders while assisting consumers in safely using cultural content. The agency collects, disposes and eliminates offline illegal content in addition to supporting the development of copyright protection technology. These activities have supported the market's strong development thanks to the government's investment in tackling illegal use while allowing legal services to flourish.

CISAC and KCOPA discussed cooperation on a range of activities, including the protection of digital works online. Another area of discussion related to KOMCA’s ability to collect public performance royalties in the country. The society is restricted by current legislation from collecting from all establishments that play music in public and updates to the law would mean significant additional royalties for creators.   

KCOPA and CISAC fortified their cooperation to encourage cultural and economic prosperity through copyright with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by KCOPA President Taeyong Yoon and CISAC Director General Gadi Oron. The goal of the MoU is “to encourage mutual cooperation in order to protect the rights of authors, and to promote fair use of works and to endeavour to improve and develop the culture and creative industries”. 

The MoU seeks to:

• Increase exchanging information regarding law and technology in copyright;
• Encourage visits and training officials in the field of copyright as well as facilitating joint study initiatives;
• Encourage project and conference collaboration of international organisations to promote common interests;
• Hold consultation meetings on copyright legislation, enforcement, fair use and exchanging information.

The MoU signing came surrounding CISAC member society KOMCA’s General Assembly, held each year.