CIAM Partner, Music Creators North America meet in Los Angeles and Pledges to Increase International Cooperation

On 7 March, CIAM’s international partner alliance member, Music Creators North America (MCNA), held a two-day meeting in Los Angeles to review their local and global priorities in the light of increasing pressure on creators’ rights. The objective was to identify the best means to support songwriters and composers, and to steer the internal organisation, alliances and communication methods of the organisation to support this aim.

Several US issues already brought to international attention in recent months were still on the table including direct licenses and the US Department of Justice’s (DOJ) position on consent decrees and 100% licensing. On these items, MCNA welcomed the contribution at the meeting of guests Stuart Rosen from BMI who spoke about consent decrees, and attorney Dina LaPolt who covered the litigation of MCNA member Songwriters of North America (SONA) against the DOJ. Extensive information was shared about the latest developments in blockchain technology, Fasttrack who help facilitate the exchange of copyright information, DDEX digital supply chain standards and the new Advanced Television Systems Committee mobile TV standard, ATSC 3.0.

Also under review were the new openings of the US Copyright Office on Moral Rights (which are not yet granted to US creators) and the latest discussions on copyright legislation in Canada where protection is still 50 years p.m.a. (Post mortem auctoris or after death). These offer MCNA the opportunity to work with CIAM’s global network to lobby for a uniform set of rights for all creators worldwide.

The next item was the presentation of GESAC’s study on the US exceptions and the related losses for US and EU creators. Following a round table discussion, MCNA agreed to develop a proactive approach going forward. MCNA members were also informed about the proposed EU copyright directive, the provisions related to Safe Harbour/Transfer of Value, and the proposed obligations for publishers.

All participants agreed that this is the prominent issue facing creators worldwide today. They attendees pledged to increase MCNA’s cooperation and synchronisation of lobbying activities both among creators and with all other affected professional and industrial categories.