SABC/IPO/SASFED task team for IP
Posted on 14 August 2007 at 15h25

After months of negotiations, A Task Team on Intellectual Property (IP), consisting of representatives from the SABC, the IPO, and the TPA-SASFED have agreed to five basic principles for discussion Intellectual Property Rights. The IPO/TPA-SASFED Alliance has proposed a team of legal experts to research the current local and international terrain on IP ownership and managemant; the trends internationally; best practice; and practical requirements. The SABC has agreed to fund this research. Currently the challenge for the Task Team is to reach agreement on the composition of the research team.

SABC/IPO/SASFED task team for IP
Principals agreed as at 2.7.2007

Principle 1
The rapidly changing global media environment necessitates the review and evaluation of the broadcaster/producer relationship in order to take account of global industry best practice while acknowledging the broadcaster’s and producers’ rights in a competitive environment

Principle 2
There is value inherent in intellectual property (the generation of ideas and the subsequent realization thereof) capable of protection in terms of law. The originator/s of intellectual property should be and will be acknowledged in the business relationship

Principle 3
The business relationships between the broadcaster and originator/s should seek to maximise the commercial benefit for all such parties.

Principle 4
All necessary intellectual property rights in respect of all productions, including character rights, music rights, and rights of all creative contributors, shall be secured to the fullest extent permissible by law in order to protect such rights and to ensure that the Broadcaster, Producers and/or relevant originators may take full advantage of commercial exploitation opportunities for the benefit of the partnership.

Principle 5
The broadcaster and the independent production sector must commit to building a stable, sustainable, transformed and diverse industry.