Producers demand copyright justice amidst digital exploitation
A group of Bangladeshi film producers is fighting back against what they call years of exploitation by local label companies who, they claim, misled them into signing away long-term ownership of their films. Now, citing key provisions in the updated Copyright Act 2023, the producers have turned to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, demanding the restoration of their intellectual property rights and a halt to what they describe as unfair profit-making from their creative work.
In a bold move to reclaim their intellectual property rights, a group of Bangladeshi film producers has formally appealed to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. On April 6, five producers submitted a petition on behalf of their peers, citing concerns over the unauthorised transfer and exploitation of their films by various label companies.
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The producers allege that these companies misled them into signing documents that effectively transferred ownership rights for a nominal fee, allowing the labels to broadcast the films on digital platforms and reap substantial profits. Meanwhile, the original producers have been left without due compensation, leading to significant financial losses.
Central to their argument is the Copyright Act of 2023, specifically Section 2(24), which designates the producer as the primary owner of a film's copyright. Furthermore, Section 17(3) allows for the reassessment or cancellation of transfer agreements if both parties consent. The producers contend that the labels failed to include such provisions, thereby invalidating the agreements.
The petition also references Section 21 of the Act, which stipulates that if a film is resold, 20% of the resale value should be allocated to the original producer. However, the producers claim they have not received any share from subsequent deals made by the labels with other digital platforms.
In response, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has acknowledged receipt of the petition and has directed the Copyright Office to investigate the matter. While the registrar of Copyrights, Md Mizanur Rahman, stated he was unaware of the issue, the ministry has assured that steps are being taken to address the producers' concerns.
The producers have requested the immediate cancellation of the copyright certificates issued to the labels and have urged the ministry to prevent any further unauthorised agreements. They also seek the authority to license their films independently for digital broadcasting.
This development underscores the growing tensions in Bangladesh's film industry, where digital rights and intellectual property are becoming increasingly contentious issues. As the country continues to adapt to the digital age, the protection of rights of the creatives remains a critical concern.
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