Forum Focusing on Rights

Forum on rights of performers, record producers and broadcasters was held last 23rd of February 2000, 1:00 -5:00 p.m. at IPO bldg, in Makati City.

The Performing Rights Society of the Philippines Inc. (PRSP) and the Phonogram Producers and Performers Society of the Philippines Inc. (PPSP) were both organized as non-profit and non-stock corporations. Reasons for forming PRSP and PPSP as non-profit and non-stock corporations are, its dividends do not have to be issued, expenditures cannot go beyond 30% of earnings and clear obligation to report financial status.

It was emphasized that PRSP and PPSP are both organized not only locally but also internationally.

Also, explanation of the Deed of Assignment is Para. 1- it determines what rights are being transferred based on the Intellectual Property Code. Para. 2- Transfer of rights. Para. 3- authorizes the Society to bring action on their behalf, Para. 4- Warranty of the assignor, Para. 7- obligation of the society to distribute what they have collected.

In this regard, the Deed of Assignment is formatted so that it can stand in court, is revocable, covers all performances whether in the past or the future, rights being assigned include performances abroad. However, further explanation of the mechanism for performances abroad is that the Philippine Society enters into a reciprocal agreement with a counterpart society where the performance was made to monitor use of the performance, and an exception to the transfer is a performance assigned prior to the Deed of Assignment. Furthermore, there is no need to specify performances since performances cannot be determined at the time of the signing of the Deed of Assignment.

On the other hand, a memorandum of agreement has been signed by the following organizations, FILSCAP, PRSP,PPSP OPM, PARI, AMP/PMG, KATHA, KAPP, CCP/PHIL, STAGE, DANCERS, MANAGERS to form an alliance.