Respect song, music copyright, candidates told

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is urging candidates to respect the copyright of songwriters and composers when using their music in election campaigns.

In a statement, the IPOPHL stressed that those running for public office must serve as role models for the protection and enhancement of these property rights.

“Songs, both lyrics and melody, are protected by copyright, which generally belong to the composers. As copyright owners, they alone have the right to authorize or prohibit, among others, the making of copies (reproduction), the modification (transformation), and public playing (public performance) of their musical compositions,” the IPOPHL explained.

“For this reason, the songwriter’s consent is needed before creating a jingle based on their works. So does the singing of a song, or dancing along to it, during the campaign program. Consent is given by way of contract usually involving the payment of fees generally known as royalties,” the agency added.

According to IPOPHL, the composers may choose to license, sell or assign their copyright ownership to others, like music publishers or collective management organizations, which would have the right to give the permission for the use of the music.