Legal experts from Latin American societies convene in Bogotá to address key copyright issues

Legal experts from member authors’ societies across Latin America and the Caribbean gathered in Bogotá to address legal and policy challenges facing collective management in the region, with discussions centred on artificial intelligence, audiovisual authors’ remuneration, private copying and other regional priorities.

Organised by CISAC’s regional office with the support of member society SAYCO, as well as audiovisual societies REDES and DASC, the two-day meeting of the Regional Legal Committee (CJLAC) took place on March 11-12. The CJLAC, a working group coordinated by CISAC, brings together legal experts from authors' societies representing all repertoires across the region. 

The meeting brought together more than 26 lawyers and featured online presentations by guest experts from ASCAP and GESAC. It opened with remarks by Edwin Robles, Director General of the Colombian National Copyright Directorate (DNDA).

AI legislation and evolving legal frameworks 

Participants reviewed progress on national AI-related initiatives, particularly in Brazil and Chile. 

Brazil’s draft law on AI has already passed the Senate and is currently under consideration in the Chamber of Deputies. In Chile, the AI bill is in its second stage of review in the Senate following the removal of provisions on transparency obligations and text and data mining (TDM) exception. 

Concerns over illegal rights management practices 

A key issue raised during the meeting was the growing activity of individual rights managers in Colombia, who grant licenses for musical works to users such as live event producers and commercial venues. 

This improper and illegal collective management practice poses a significant threat to creators’ income. Data presented at the meeting indicate that it may account for an estimated 26% loss in live performance revenues.

The committee expressed strong support for SAYCO in addressing this issue and agreed to submit a resolution to CISAC’s Latin America and the Caribbean Committee calling for action.

Advancing authors’ rights across the region 

Other key legislative and regulatory developments discussed included:

• Paraguay’s 2025 Presidential Decree updating the private copying system
• Chile’s proposed “Balmes Law” on the resale right for visual artists, now in its final legislative stage,
• Brazil’s draft bill introducing remuneration rights for audiovisual authors in the country, pending to be discussed. 

Participants also highlighted the need to strengthen lobbying efforts and to update both regional studies on AI and on cross-border licences. 

The committee further agreed on a resolution supporting Costa Rican society ACAM, opposing a draft law that would introduce broad copyright exceptions benefitting commercial establishments.