PP Council "Concerns Over Copyright Law and Collection Regulations Violations in Eumjeohyeop's Standard Contract"

Broadcast-Music Copyright Association Royalty Dispute Continues
Concerns Raised Over Copyright Law and Collection Regulation Violations

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] The broadcasting channel operators (PP) industry has pointed out concerns that the standard contract proposed by the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) regarding music usage fees for broadcasting program production may violate copyright law and collection regulations.

The Channel Operators Council (PP Council) under the Korea Cable TV Broadcasting Association announced this on the 22nd during an education and practical discussion session on "Problems of KOMCA Standard Contract and Win-Win Measures."

The PP industry and the music copyright association have continued their conflict since the failure of collective negotiations last year. The PP Council is settling usage fees based on the 2017 rate and agreed to reconcile any differences upon future contract signings.

Joo Ji-won, a lawyer at the Korea Cable TV Broadcasting Association, pointed out concerns about double collection and violations of copyright law and collection regulations in the standard contract proposed by the music copyright association.

Lawyer Joo said, "According to the contract clause, the scope of programs subject to copyright fee payments is expanded beyond broadcaster-produced content to include broadcasting programs purchased from third parties, implying an intention for double collection. This means that while copyright fees are received including sales revenue from broadcasting programs, separate collections may also occur from recipients."

He added, "In cases of copyright fee arrears, KOMCA notifies termination and includes civil and criminal liability clauses for copyright law violations to pressure broadcasters. However, this is an excessive clause because KOMCA’s collection of copyright fees is based on collection regulations under copyright law, and simply because the usage contract ends does not mean it turns into an illegal state."

He continued, "Through unreasonable broadcaster on-site inspection clauses, it effectively breaks trust and will result in obstructing the virtuous cycle structure of the broadcasting ecosystem."

Hwang Kyung-il, chairman of the PP Copyright Working Committee, said, "For a fundamental solution, standardization work related to cue sheets is necessary, and to enhance transparency in collection and distribution, detailed mutual cooperation plans based on terminology and underlying data calculation are required. It is time to adjust the scope of music usage permissions according to the diversification of broadcaster services. With mutual consideration, respect, and cooperation, a proper production environment ecosystem can be established to continue the K-content boom."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.