World Intellectual Property Org. Conference Panel 5

On Oct. 17-19, hundreds of experts from around the world and Music Row came to Vanderbilt Law School to discuss and debate issues such as how artists, songwriters and authors are paid for use of their work and how to legally distribute music, videos and other works protected by intellectual property as part of a conference sponsored by Vanderbilt, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC). Vanderbilt professor of law and director of the international legal studies program, Larry Helfer collaborated with music rights organizations BMI, ASCAP and SESAC for the conference. PANEL DISCUSSION 5. COLLECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF MECHANICAL RIGHTS Items for discussion: The relationship between compulsory licenses and collective rights management. The proposal to abolish the mechanical license in Section 115 of the US Copyright Act and reactions thereto. What would be the consequences if such abolishment? Compatibility with international norms. Experience in other countries. Moderator: Mr. Jorgen Blomqvist, Director, Copyright Law Division, Copyright and Related Rights Sector, WIPO, Geneva, Switzerland Speakers: Mrs. Marybeth Peters, Register of Copyrights, Copyright Office, Library of Congress, Washington D.C., United States of America Mrs. Laurie Hughes, Vice President, Business Affairs, Music Rights and Licensing, TouchTunes, New York, United Sates of America Mr. Mitch Glazier, Executive Vice President, Government and Industry Relations, Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Washington D.C. United States of America Mr. Rick Carnes, President, Songwriters Guild of America (SGA), Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America