(Image by DANIELLA AGACER)
MANILA, Philippines — Pangasinan Rep. Christopher de Venecia called out on Saturday the unauthorized use of copyrighted materials like campaign jingles by candidates to woo voters, saying it’s a violation of intellectual property rights (IPR).
De Venecia did not name the politicians using images or music that are protected by IPR laws.
“Changing the lyrics but retaining the music still constitutes a violation of IPR laws and regulations … IPR violation is stealing plain and simple,” he said in a statement.
“Fair use provisions of IPR laws have well-defined and limited coverage. Saying or writing CTTO (credit to the owner) is not a legitimate excuse and not enough compliance with IPR laws of the Philippines and other countries,” he added.
De Venecia backed the call of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines and other groups for politicians to ask permission before using someone else’s work in their campaign jingles.
—JULIE M. AURELIO
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