Romania

[RO] New Commission for Negotiating Rates for Retransmission by Cable

IRIS 1997-8:1/26

Constanta Moisescu

Office for Authors' Rights (OAR)

By decision no.12/1997 of the Director General of the Romanian Copyright Office, a Commission for negotiating copyright dues and neighbouring rights for the retransmission by cable of musical, literary and audio-visual works, the work of performing artists, and sound recordings has been set up. The legal foundation for the decision is contained in the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act no.8/1996 (see IRIS 1996-8 : 11). The Commission comprises representatives of the companies for the collective management of copyright and neighbouring rights, representing the interests of authors and performing artists, and representatives of the Professional Association of Cable Operators. Negotiations commenced on 1 August 1997 and will last 90 days. The outcome will be forwarded to the Romanian Copyright Office and, in compliance with the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, will be submitted to the Government for approval.

Once adopted by the Government, these rates for retransmission by cable will then become compulsory for cable operators.