CEPIC Issues
Resolution on Collecting Societies
The resolution on Collecting Societies had been proposed at the CEPIC AGM 2002.
CEPIC which formally represents the picture industry in Europe of 900 picture agencies in 17 countries is the largest visual copyright organisation in Europe. Even so CEPIC picture agencies receive virtually no money for the copyright that they own despite the large revenues amassed by the collecting societies on behalf of authors. It is our opinion that such a monopoly is not in the spirit of free trade within Europe and the money is not being distributed in a manner which is open and fair, nor is it being distributed following proper consultation with the interested parties.
Picture libraries should not have to pay or clear authorization with collecting societies to publish an image when used as a catalogue display on the picture agency's home page or catalogue website to promote the artist's work. Even if the copyright owner for the work gives the picture agency authority to publish the picture, it may be opposed by the collecting societies who represent the copyright owner.
In many European countries, picture agencies are being refused membership of their national collecting societies. Statutes of some collecting societies only allow new members entry following a unanimous vote. It is high time for the EU to start creating regulations for collecting societies to ensure that they are open to all interested parties.
There should be more transparency in the dealing of the collecting societies and representation within their organisation from the picture libraries who hold and promote the authors' works.
The present situation is not in accordance with WIPO legislation.
- END OF STATEMENT -
25.05.2002
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