Intellectual Property Issues for the Music Sector

The Peculiarities Of Copyright

• Copyright protection is automatic (Berne Convention) but • Documentary assertion of ownership is important for legal disputes, showing proof to investors/publishers etc. Copyright (and other IP rights) are private property rights . Therefore, rights owners SHOULD: 1. Document their ownership and any transfer of rights (locally and internationally) 2. Monitor for & act on infringements (civil+criminal) 3. Utilize collective management organizations for income generation

Lack of formal documents and agreements weakens a person’s claim to their copyright