MPA And IFPI To Boost Efforts In Latin America

by Glen Shapiro, LawAndTax-News.com, New York

20 February 2006

The Latin American regional operations of the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) announced last week that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) committing both organizations to improving and expanding joint anti-piracy and legislative efforts throughout the region.

The new MOU builds on the existing framework created by the global agreement signed by the CEOs of both associations in June of 2000.

The two associations are stepping up cooperation in fighting both online and optical disc piracy. Currently, IFPI and the MPA cooperate in matters such as the seizure of illegally-imported blank media from Paraguay to Brazil.

"Enhancing our efforts in the area of copyright protection is crucial to the future of film-making all over the world," explained MPA Chairman and CEO Dan Glickman. "We have to continue to work together to protect and promote the creative excellence behind the movies people love."

On the legislative front, the two entities will jointly encourage the passage of measures that will protect the recording and audiovisual industries, such as pending bills in Mexico which propose to ban camcording in movie theatres, provide ex-officio powers to law enforcement officers and secure stiffer penalties for convicted pirates. Similar measures are under consideration in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and other countries in the region.

The two associations also plan to work together against the fast-growing problem of internet piracy - taking the form of illegal file-sharing and websites, - as well as the sale and distribution of hard goods through online transactions. Currently IFPI and MPA cooperate in matters such as working with local authorities to identify illegal importations of blank optical discs from Paraguay to Brazil.

Furthermore, both associations encourage the signing of Free Trade Agreements with the United States, and the full implementation of these agreements by signatory countries.

Steve Solot, Vice President for Latin American Operations of the Motion Picture Association, announced that: "This agreement will intensify the level of cooperation in specific countries where we already have efforts and extend the help to other countries in Latin America, particularly Peru, and eventually Mexico and Brazil which are the two largest markets in Latin America."

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