IFPI legal affairs - overview
Since 1933, IFPI has served as the principal international proponent of strong, effective legal protections for the recording industry. IFPI has been instrumental in the adoption of all of the copyright and related-rights treaties protecting sound recordings. IFPI's international secretariat and national groups provide a valuable resource to governments and international organisations on a wide range of industry issues.
Today, IFPI's legal affairs activities concentrate on five broad areas:
Improving basic copyright and related-rights protections for sound recordings
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| Treaties and laws |
IFPI works closely with national governments and international bodies such as the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in developing laws and international agreements to secure intellectual property rights that are strong, effective and sufficiently harmonised to create a level international playing field for producers of sound recordings.
Developing the legal infrastructure for the electronic music market
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| Copyright and the digital era |
IFPI promotes world-wide ratification and implementation of the 1996 WIPO Copyright and Performers and Phonograms Treaties, which bring copyright into the "digital age." IFPI particularly encourages new laws that protect against Internet piracy, and prevent hacking of technological protections.
Improving deterrence of piracy through better legal remedies, procedures and penalties
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| Remedies |
Intellectual-property rights can be meaningless if legal procedures and sanctions are not adequate to detect and punish violations. IFPI promotes the adoption of procedures, damages awards and criminal penalties that promptly and effectively deter infringement, and legislation to regulate mass production of CDs. IFPI also takes legal cases to protect the industry's rights.
Promoting inter-industry consensus on legal-related issues
For many decades, IFPI and its national groups have represented producers in various negotiations with music publishers, performers, and rights-management societies. IFPI also participates in inter-industry coalitions to promote such goals as copyright reform (e.g. the Rightholders' Coalition in Europe), and Internet service provider codes of conduct.
Establishing healthy international trading rules for sound recordings
IFPI participates in World Trade Organisation (WTO), multilateral and bilateral trade discussions in every part of the world. IFPI promotes an open trading system that provides incentives for international trade partners to protect record producers and maximize their freedom to develop the music market.
