Copyright - the foundation of the knowledge economy

On October 22 and 23, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam Copyright Association (VIETRRO) in collaboration with the Copyright Office, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam Publishing Association, Ho Chi Minh City Education Association, with the support of the International Federation of Copyright Organizations (IFRRO), organized the International Conference "Building a Creative Economy: Promoting the Enforcement of Copyright in Vietnam".

International Workshop “Building a Creative Economy : Promoting Copyright Enforcement in Vietnam”

The event attracted more than 120 domestic and international delegates, representatives of ministries, sectors, universities, libraries, businesses, publishers and international copyright organizations such as: US Copyright Licensing Center (CCC), UK Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA)...

According to the Law on Intellectual Property of Vietnam (amended and supplemented in 2022), “copying” is the act of making a copy of all or part of a work by any means or form. This is one of the most important property rights of authors, publishers and creative entities.

In fact, with the strong development of digital technology , the need to use learning, research and creative materials is increasing. However, the lack of awareness of copyright rights leads to many common violations, such as photocopying textbooks, sharing digital documents without permission, or copying online newspaper content without paying royalties.

Building a transparent, convenient and feasible copy licensing system is considered an optimal solution, helping users access documents legally and cost-effectively; while ensuring that authors, publishers and creative entities are properly compensated.

The workshop focused on discussing Vietnam's legal framework, sharing international experiences in enforcing the right to copy, and determining a roadmap for implementing a copy licensing system in schools, libraries and businesses.

From Vietnam's practice, delegates analyzed current challenges such as: Uneven awareness of copyright rights, especially in the educational environment. Loopholes in law enforcement make civil disputes about copyright less effectively resolved. The rate of copyright infringement in cyberspace remains high. Legal difficulties for collective management organizations in implementing licensing and collecting copying fees.

 Mr. James Bennett, Head of Rights Relations, UK Copyright and Reproduction Licensing Centre (CLA) presented a paper on the topic "Benefits of licensing reproduction rights - Experience from the UK"

However, all parties agree that collective licensing mechanisms – coordinated by organizations like VIETRRO – are a necessary step to reduce legal risks, promote transparency and create a stable source of income for creators.

The workshop set out five main objectives:

Raise awareness and create readiness for agencies, schools, and publishers in applying for copy licensing.

Introduce Vietnam's legal framework and international experience, promote cooperation to learn from successful models.

Affirming the economic and cultural benefits of the licensing system for education, innovation and sustainable development.

Proposing a flexible implementation roadmap to help reduce legal risks for educational institutions, libraries, and businesses.

Build a common action plan, aiming for consensus and active participation of the whole society.

According to Ms. Sarah Quynh Tran, Head of Regional Policy and Public Relations, International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organizations (IFRRO), “Copyright is a form of intellectual property based on the creativity and labor of individuals. This is a form of intangible ownership recognized by law, giving the owner exclusive economic rights, including the right to copy, publish, communicate and perform publicly. At the same time, the author’s moral rights are also protected - the right to be recognized and the right to prevent disrespectful use of the work.”

Building a legal framework and effectively enforcing copyright not only protects the rights of creators, but also contributes to strengthening the cultural and creative ecosystem, balancing the interests between creators and content users.

Three important international instruments form the basis of the current copyright protection system: the Berne Convention, the TRIPS Agreement and the WIPO Copyright Treaty. In countries, domestic copyright laws and regulations go hand in hand with international commitments, creating a legal foundation to protect creativity and promote access to culture.

LIBRA

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/quyen-sao-chep-nen-tang-cua-kinh-te-tri-thuc-post819353.html