IFPI statement on the publication of the EU Priority Third Countries Report 2023

23 May 2023 - Press release

 

The European Commission has published its EU Priority Countries Report (here) in order to strengthen the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) in countries outside of the European Union. 

The report identifies “priority countries” in which the state of IPR protection gives rise to the greatest level of concern. It highlights those countries where deficiencies are deemed to cause the greatest economic harm to EU interests. The report aims to focus the efforts and resources of the European Commission on improving the environment for IPR worldwide.

This year’s list recognises concerns raised by IFPI in a number of countries, such as the absence of effective performance rights in practice in Indonesia and South Korea, alongside ongoing issues such as the problematic Section 31D statutory licence in India.

The list also recognises the progress made in Nigeria in adopting the new Copyright Act. While there are still some concerns around the practical enforcement of rights in Nigeria, the Act should help improve the protection of online content whilst strengthening the enforcement of copyright in the local digital environment. Similarly, whilst still highlighting Brazil’s ongoing failure to ratify the WIPO Treaties, it recognises the positive developments made around enforcement in the country over the last 12 months.  

Commenting on the publication of the report, IFPI Chief Executive Frances Moore, said: “We welcome the latest update from the European Commission and are pleased to be able to support its ongoing work in this area.

“Properly established and enforced intellectual property rights are fundamental to the sustainable success of a country’s music sector and the essential economic and cultural contribution it makes. 

“The US Government recently published its Special 301 Report (here) which examines the adequacy and effectiveness of US trading partners’ protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights. It similarly reflects IFPI’s perspectives, and those of the European Commission, including around Brazil, China, India and Thailand.

“We hope that both reports will help to raise awareness of the deficiencies in IPR protection in these countries. We continue to work alongside our member record companies around the world to improve the situation for the benefit of music communities around the world.”