The International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP) today welcomed the European Commission's strategy for Intellectual Property Rights, stressing that ”the timing is right and that it is much needed.”

The Strategy deals with several issues to ensure IPR are covered comprehensively. “We are happy to work with the Commission and other stakeholders to develop the various proposals in this Strategy and we particularly value the acknowledgement that copyright-based creative industries are among the main contributors to the Union's GDP, driving innovation and economic growth,” said ICMP Secretary-General, Ms. Ger Hatton.

Of particular importance in the Strategy is the recognition that creators and publishers take considerable commercial risks and publishers provide up front investments to produce and disseminate creative works and that an effective IPR policy must be therefore backed up by appropriate enforcement measures. The Strategy as presented emphasises the importance of IPR legislation as a tool that regulates and optimises the relationship between creators, service and content providers and consumers.

“We will continue to ensure that copyright remains key to the digital economy and that sufficient incentives are in place to promote both creativity and a rich cultural environment,” added Ms Hatton.