CIAM Executive Committee meets in Bangkok: Regional Insights, Strategic Planning and AI
Hosted by Music Copyright Thailand (MCT), CIAM’s Executive Committee met in Bangkok on February 4th and 5th. ExCo members and music creators from Thailand, the Philippines, India and Saudi Arabia gathered to exchange insights into regional copyright systems, challenges faced by music creators in their countries, and music infrastructures.
Along with discussing the impact of AI on creators rights and collective management, the ExCo engaged in strategic planning for the remainder of the year and upcoming meetings.
The ExCo received an update on Asia-Pacific by CISAC Regional Director Benjamin Ng, with a special focus on regional AI-issues and policy affairs. MCT Chairman Notapol Srichomkwam detailed the current situation in Thailand, highlighting challenges such as buy-out practices and how the large number of existing CMOs make it difficult for creators to receive fair remuneration. He outlined upcoming legislative changes, in preparation for an upcoming ExCo meeting with the Thai Department of Intellectual Property (DIP).
Creators from India (Mayur Puri), the Philippines (Rodolfo “Tito” Cayamanda Jr.) and Saudi Arabia (Haya Hejailan) shared insights about their countries, music infrastructure and potential of their markets.
CISAC’s legal department gave an update on ongoing AI affairs, including litigation, lobbying and advocacy efforts. This led to discussions on the risk of a lack of cultural diversity and the threat of cultural appropriation in the case of AI. The importance of transparency in AI deals between labels and AI models was emphasized, as well as the need for fair and transparent distribution of any AI-generated revenue that may flow to CMOs in order to safeguard the value of authors rights.
Further discussions focused on the importance of awareness, education, and training for creators through workshops and capacity-building initiatives.
The two days of meetings concluded with a WIPO CLIP presentation delivered by CIAM Vice President and CLIP Champion Solange Cesarovna to MCT board members,.
On February 6th, a ExCo delegation visited the Thai Department of Intellectual Property to discuss the current government changes in law regarding CMOs in Thailand and to exchange international best practices. Topics included regulatory frameworks for CMOs, such as the EU CRM Directive, aimed to ensure proper functioning of CMOs and fair remuneration for creators. Such measures benefit both Thai and international creators who have their music played in Thailand. The ExCo shared experiences from their respective countries. The meeting concluded with mutual appreciation and a shared intention to continue exchanging information.
CIAM President Arriën Molema: “The CIAM meetings in Bangkok were an excellent opportunity to deepen our understanding of the region and to hear directly from music creators across Asia and the Arabian Peninsula. We were also pleased to be able to share our global expertise on copyright and collective management with the Thai Department of Intellectual Property. MCT was an outstanding host, and we look forward to staying in close contact and returning to Thailand in the near future!”
All photos ©: Danai Pasurapunya
