There are cause worth fighting. Respecting one's intellectural property is a must, not only here in our country but all over the world. Today, I witness a joint effort from difeerent agencies as they fight for the intellectual property rights. Piracy should be eliminated
As part of the global celebration of World IP Day, the Philippines’screen community recently reinforced their commitment to deter illegal camcordingin the country by intensifying efforts to secure cinemas and fast-track criminal prosecution against Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) violators.
Over the years, a significant number of camcorded movies used in the production of illegal optical discs or found online have been forensically matched to cinemas in the Philippines. Last year, there were four forensic matches for the whole year. However, in just the early months of 2013 alone, four illegal camcordshave already been forensically matched to Philippine cinemas, causing the industry to raise the alarm on the rising number of illegal camcording activities once again taking place in the country.
“It is clear that the Philippines faces a renewed threat from criminal syndicates intent on exploiting the creativity and hard work of the screen community,” said Atty. Ricardo Blancaflor, Director General, Intellectual Property Office. “We must work together not only to reinforce the campaign against illegal camcording, but also to work together in the true sense of partnership where we support each other domestically and internationally, and thereby demonstrate to the rest of the world that the Philippines is serious about deterring piracy.”
“The Optical Media Board is hard at work to aid the PNP in apprehending syndicates and seizing illegal copies of pirated material,” said Ronnie Rickets, OMB Chairman. “However, to truly win the fight, Filipinos must avoid patronizing illegal copies of movies and TV shows. When the buying stops, we believe that the illegal copying and production of pirated shows will stop as well.”
“I am honoured that our film will screen during World IP Day this year,” said Joji Alonso, the producer of the award-winning film The Woman in the Septic Tank from the Philippines. “The success of Woman in the Septic Tank was only possible because of the dedicated team behind it and that we have people who recognize the importance of supporting legitimate options for films that we have worked so hard to create. Illegal camcordingnegatively impacts not just the film producers or movie stars, but also people behind the scenes and businesses that support the movie industry. I am glad the screening of our film will be a part of a strong message against illegal camcording.”
The National Cinema Association of the Philippines (NCAP)and the Motion Picture Anti-Film Piracy Council of the Philippines (MPAFPC) believe that the industry’s anti-camcording campaign is a step in the right direction. “The collaborative efforts must continue if we are to prevent illegal camcorders from stealing intellectual property,” said NCAP and MPAFPC Vice-President Atty. RollyDueñas. “We also hope this campaign will remind movie goers that the act of movie theft impacts not just the movie producers and major stars. It also affects the people behind the scenes and other individuals and businesses that support the movie industry. We encourage the Filipino public to support the campaign by reporting illegal camcorders.”
The MPAFPC has implemented a rewards system that awards 5,000 pesos to those who report illegal camcorders and 2,000 pesos to the security guards who help conduct the arrest in cooperation with the police.
Up until 2012, the number of pirated movies illegally sourced from Philippine screens has been decreasing every year, with 45 in 2008, 21 in 2009 and 20 in 2010. The industry and local law enforcement were lauded for reducing the forensic matches to just one in 2011, and must be recognized for these efforts not only in this country but also in other parts of the world.
The industry has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to illegal camcording in cinemas nationwide, working closely with the Philippine National Police in enforcing the Anti-Camcording Law so that illegal camcorders caught in cinemas are arrested and prosecuted according to the newlaw.
Since the Anti-camcording Law (RA 10088) was passed in July 2010, notable concerted efforts have been made by the industry to curb the incidence of illegal camcording of movies in cinemas nationwide. Efforts include a public awareness campaign and closer collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Justice (DoJ) to apprehend and punish offenders. Vigilant cooperation among the exhibitors, theater operators, film producers and Philippine law enforcement has resulted in significant legal actions, in which one camcorder has already been convicted, served jail time and fined.Another camcorder has also been apprehended, charged and is currently being prosecuted.
Under the Anti-Camcording Law, any person who is caught using or attempting to use an audiovisual recording device to transmit or make a copy of any part of a performance in an exhibition facility of any cinematographic film or other audiovisual work will be charged with a fine of PhP 50,000 to PhP 750, 000 (US$1,000-US$17,000) and will face imprisonment of a minimum of six months and one day to six years and one day.
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About the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines
IP Philippines was created to administer and implement the State policies declared in Republic Act (RA) 8293, known as the Intellectual Property (IP) Code of the Philippines. The IP Office protects and secures the exclusive rights of scientists, inventors, artists, and gifted citizens to their IP and creations, particularly when beneficial to the people, for such periods as provided in the Act.
About the Optical Media Board
The OMB is a bureau under the Department of Trade and Industry assigned to regulate the manufacture of optical media in all its forms and impose stiffer fines and penalties for its illegal reproduction.
About the National Cinema Association of the Philippines
NCAP is a private organization comprised of the Philippines’ movie theater operators.
About the Motion Picture Anti-Film Piracy Council
MPAFPC an industry-funded agency that monitors and reports illegal camcording in all exhibition facilities in the country.
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