The Third "2024 Copyright Protection Future Forum" held
 

Exploring strategies to bolster overseas copyright protection systems

"Copyright Protection Future Forum", a guidepost for the copyright protection strategy

The Korea Copyright Protection Agency (President Park Jung-youl, hereinafter referred to as the Protection Agency) hosted the Third "2024 Copyright Protection Future Forum" on June 12 at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the theme of "Strategies to Bolster the Overseas Copyright Protection System for K-Contents in the Digital Transformation”. 

The Copyright Protection Future Forum, which brings together opinion leaders in the field of copyright, has been active since its inception and serves as a guidepost for developing copyright protection strategies. The Third 2024 "Copyright Protection Future Forum" was convened to discuss strategies to bolster the foreign copyright protection system for the protection of K-contents, which are becoming increasingly popular around the world.

The forum was attended by approximately 30 people, including President Park Jung-youl of the Protection Agency, Lee Sung-yeop, chairman of the Korea Data Law and Policy Association (professor at Korea University), and Kim Byung-il, chairman of the Korea Digital Property Law Association (professor at Hanyang University), as well as forum members. The opening remarks, theme presentation, and general discussion were followed. 

"We will strive to establish a copyright protection system overseas"

In his greeting, Park Jung-youl, president of the Protection Agency, stressed the gravity of K-content infringement abroad and the significance of establishing a copyright protection system based on international cooperation and understanding. 

"As it is difficult to protect K-contents outside of Korea, we must continue to work for international cooperation and understanding so that each country's culture can be respected and protected in the digital age and in the midst of different copyright law systems," he said. He continued "Supporting the establishment of local copyright protection systems abroad can be an important strategy for K-contents protection."

Park Jung-youl additionally stated that "This year, the Korean government has agreed to collaborate with the Vietnamese government to carry out public relations activities to 'raise awareness of copyright overseas' under mutual respect, and we intend to conduct public relations activities to raise awareness of copyright protection in Southeast Asia and other countries in the future."

Presentation of K-Content Protection Measures 

Chung Hyun-soon, trial researcher at the Supreme Court, gave a presentation on "Legal and Institutional Strategies for the Protection of K-Contents Overseas," and Choi Jae-sik, Head of the Global Policy Research Department at the Korea Intellectual Property Institute, gave a presentation on "Overseas Export and Support Measures for the Domestic Copyright Protection System".

Chung Hyun-soon first examined the actual situation of overseas copyright infringement, introduced the response and remedy for overseas copyright infringement, and then examined the possibility of various administrative measures such as the implementation of extraterritorial application under the Copyright Act, exploratory prohibition measures, and the issuance of corrective rights. 

Chung Hyun-Soon stated that "The fundamental goal of implementing the extraterritorial application rule for copyright infringement that occurs abroad is to obtain an injunction to stop infringement, compensate for damages, and prevent access to pirated materials." He pointed out that "However, these civil remedies may be inefficient in terms of time and expense. Furthermore, He stated that "In the short term, blocking access through domestic network operators is an essential measure to protect copyrights in Korea."

Choi Jae-sik, head of the Global Policy Research Department at the Korea Intellectual Property Institute, stated that "The Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP) is part of the national agenda, and intellectual property support projects can help Korea strengthen its position as a global pivotal country." He also presented key strategic goals for export and the evolution of the copyright protection system, including step-by-step strategies and Saudi case studies.

Choi Jae-sik emphasized that "We should promote the spread of Korean-style intellectual property administration through cooperation and customized support measures that match the maturity and level of the applicant countries’ intellectual property system," adding that "These activities will eventually contribute to Korean companies’ export overseas." He also suggested that "Conducting joint research with international organizations, such as APEC, as the issue of online copyright protection, necessitates joint international discussion."

Comprehensive discussion held to discuss progressive measures

Following the presentation, there was a comprehensive discussion in which forum members from various fields such as industry, technology, academia, and the legal profession participated. Many discussions were held about how to respond more effectively to copyright infringement. 

Lee Jin-tae, head of the Korea Copyright Commission, said, "OTT platforms such as Wave, TVING, Melon, and Bugs that are serviced in Korea, cannot be utilized outside the country unless they are serviced there." He noted that "While illegally using Korean works overseas is a concern, institutional and policy measures must be put in place to provide legal channels and overseas services." 

In addition, he stated that "21 FTAs from 59 countries have come into force and are already in effect in Korea, with another 5 FTAs set to take effect." He also highlighted that "Exercising rights under FTA agreements is not immediate and powerful, but it is crucial to actively utilize the system because it is intended to defend the rights of our copyright holders."

Seo Jae-gwon, a professor at Korea National University of Cultural Heritage, stressed that "The success or failure of responding to copyright infringement depends on the speed of blocking illegal websites" and that "Administrative measures that allow the system to operate flexibly are more effective than reactive relief." Professor Seo added, "The law should be amended first, but in the case of websites solely used for the purpose of illegal sharing, it is necessary to consider an approach in which the Protection Agency urgently and temporarily blocks access, and the vigilance committee deliberates and decides later."

Various discussions were held, including ▲ expanding the responsibility of online service provider (OSP) for content delivery network (CDN) operators ▲ regulating advertising agencies that generate revenue from illegal websites ▲ reinforcing criminal measures ▲ operating overseas voucher support projects ▲ planning international cooperation.

Forum Chairman Lee Sung-yeop stated in his closing remarks, "Several K-content protection measures were offered at today’s forum," adding, "I hope that continuous research and discussion would take place in the future."

Exchange of the latest information in each field and search for ways to improve policies

The Copyright Protection Future Forum was established to discuss global strategies and practical countermeasures for K-content protection with opinion leaders in the field of copyright, as the issue of copyright protection has expanded to international issues such as politics and diplomacy, in tandem with the international popularity of K-contents and has been active ever since. The Protection Agency intends to do its best to exchange the latest information in each field through a network of opinion leaders, form a consensus on copyright protection, and secure basic data for implementing policies on pending issues in the forum and improving the system. 

The Third ''2024 Copyright Protection Future Forum'' can be viewed on the Protection Agency’s website, and the Forth ''2024 Copyright Protection Future Forum'' will take place on August 28, 2024 (Wednesday).