The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has reminded aspiring public officials gearing up for the 2025 elections to prioritize respect for intellectual property (IP) rights in their campaign materials.
With the campaign period set to commence next year, IPOPHL said it is important to seek permission from artists before using their works in promotional content.
IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba said that a candidate's respect for IP rights serves as a critical gauge of their integrity and trustworthiness.
“I don’t think any voter would like to see any copyright owner and artist, especially their favorite artists, deprived of their right to have a say on the use of their work for a political campaign,” Barba said in a statement.
Barba warned that neglecting IP rights could lead to public backlash that may jeopardize candidates’ electoral prospects, as well as potential legal repercussions, including copyright infringement lawsuits.
He referred to Section 173 of Republic Act 8293, which defines derivative works and underscores the necessity of adhering to existing copyright laws.
To assist candidates in navigating these rights, Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights (BCRR) Director Emerson G. Cuyo encouraged political parties to engage with IPOPHL-accredited collective management organizations (CMOs).
These groups, including the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP), and others, can facilitate the necessary licensing arrangements for the use and public performance of music and other copyrighted works.
Cuyo also invited music artists to participate in the upcoming 2nd Philippine-International Copyright Summit (PICS), scheduled for Oct. 21 to 25.
This event aims to empower artists with knowledge about local and global music trends and legal frameworks essential for protecting their IP rights.
Specific sessions on Oct. 22 will focus on the implications of generative artificial intelligence on creative works, along with workshops designed to enhance composers’ skills while reinforcing the importance of IP protection. (Derco Rosal)