Members of the Panel Discussion engaging questions from the audience. From left to right
Ms Erica Smith-Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA), Ms Lydia Rose- Association of Caribbean Copyright Societies (ACCS), Ms Melissa Clarke- Angostura Ltd., Ms Gail Gallop- Moderator, Ms Carol Newman- CARROSA, Ms Kayamar Jordan- Jordan Media, Mr. Dewayne Ector- Songtrust.
The Association of Caribbean Copyright Societies (ACCS) in collaboration with the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business (ALJGSB) and the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) hosted its inaugural symposium on Intellectual Property Rights on Thursday August 22, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Port of Spain. Attended by World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Officials, as well as various members of the legal fraternity and business community, the symposium provided detailed information on monetising the Intellectual Property of businesses, the importance of protecting your business IP as well as exploring challenges that various regional organisations face in this regard.
In welcoming guests to the event, President of the ACCS Mr. John Arnold outlined the reality of the market for both local and regional Collective Management Organisations acting on behalf of their membership. He noted that they “continue to face challenges with high levels of resistance to copyright licensing including from regional governments and major music users including cable operators. To illustrate how we are affected, whilst the revenue for broadcast (including cable) for most CMOs is at least 50%, in the region it is less than 20%. He further explained that “in turning to the legal system to enforce our rights, we are forced to deal with lengthy, expensive procedures,” and sought to illustrate how these factors impact the amount of royalities that CMO’s can distribute to their members, which in turn negatively affects the way that they are perceived.
The Feature Address was presented by Sir Charles Michael Dennis Byron, former President of the Caribbean Court of Justice who also underscored the importance of remunerating creators for their Intellectual Property, noting that “at the core of many business models, creative entrepreneurs seek to turn their Intellectual Property into cash flow, they innovate, they create, they take risks and the Intellectual Property System was designed to reward such entrepreneurs who take such investment risks to innovate” He also highlighted that despite its immense contribution to the economies of various countries, the creative sector remains somewhat invisible on the radar of economists, and does not feature significantly in the creation of policy.
Sir Charles Michael Dennis Byron, former President of the CCJ delivering the feature address whilst Mr. Damien Bowen, Vice President ACCS looks on
In presenting her case study, Ms Melissa Clarke, Commercial Counsel & Legal Manager, of Angostura Limited provided practical examples of Angostura’s system of handling their Intellectual Property and advised those present that even the most minor violation/ infringement of an organisation’s Intellectual Property, should be taken seriously and acted upon expeditiously. She advised the audience to “treat each infringement like it’s a threat to your company’s bottom line, because in fact it is.”
Mr. John Arnold, President ACCS, presents token and award to Ms Melissa Clarke of Angostura Limited, alongside Mr. Damien Bowen, Vice President ACCS
Mr. Carlos Bahamóndez, the Manager for Central America and the Caribbean of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) also addressed the audience on issues facing Latin America and the Caribbean, and the role and function of CISAC in training, and regulation. This symposium marked the first of what is intended to be a biennial event for the Association of Caribbean Copyright Societies, which seeks to raise awareness about various aspects Intellectual Property and its practical application.
Having a laugh….from left to right Sir Charles Michael Dennis Byron, former President of the CCJ, Mr. Carlos Bahamóndez, International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), Ms Kaymar Jordan, Jordan Media, Ms Gail Gallop and Ms Sonia Cruickshank, World Intellectual Property Office
For Further Information, feel free to contact
Lori Almarales
Member Relations and Communications Coordinator (Interim)
Copyright Music Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago
623-6101 ext2005
lalmarales@cott.org.tt
