The Vietnam Center for Protection of Music Copyrights (VCPMC) announced total royalty collections of 393 billion VND ($16.7 million) in 2024. However, numerous programs remain under investigation for copyright violations.

At the annual conference summarizing activities for 2024, Dinh Trung Can, Meritorious Artist and General Director of VCPMC, reported a significant increase in the number of authors delegating copyright collection to the center. An additional 729 authors joined in 2024, bringing the total membership to 6,511 as of December 31, 2024.

The center has enhanced its support by providing legal assistance to authors, safeguarding their rights during copyright transfers, and raising awareness about the risks associated with improperly managed contracts. It has also guided members on issues related to inheritance in copyright authorization, while extending care to authors facing illness, financial hardships, or solitude.

Steady growth in royalty collection

From January 1 to December 31, 2024, VCPMC collected 393.06 billion VND (approximately $16.7 million USD), excluding VAT, marking a 14.2% increase compared to 2023.

VCPMC conducts four distribution cycles annually, adhering to the distribution rules of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC). Using international software systems, royalties are calculated and allocated to authors and rights holders via bank transfers or cash payments in the first month of the subsequent quarter.

In 2024, VCPMC distributed 256.87 billion VND (roughly $10.9 million USD) to rights holders. The royalties for the fourth quarter, estimated at 94 billion VND (around $4 million USD), are scheduled for disbursement in January 2025.

General Director Can noted that contracts with incomplete distribution conditions, such as those awaiting supplemental song lists or unpaid invoices, will be processed in subsequent cycles.

Persistent challenges with copyright violations

Despite efforts to ensure fair royalties for songwriters and rights holders, Can acknowledged the complexity of managing copyrights in live performances. Violations remain widespread, both in domestic and international shows. Many organizers fail to fulfill their obligations, resorting to avoidance or non-compliance.

Currently, multiple infringement cases are undergoing legal procedures. Notable examples include May Lang Thang with over 300 unlicensed programs, Lululola with more than 200 violations, and iME's 2024 Chanyeol Live Tour.

At the conference, Associate Professor Dr. Bui Hoai Son, a standing member of the National Assembly's Committee for Culture and Education, emphasized the critical role of copyright in cultural development. He commended VCPMC's collective efforts and urged Vietnam to view copyright as an essential industry.

Son advocated for prioritizing copyright to protect creative talent, which he described as the cornerstone of cultural and artistic growth. By respecting copyrights, artists' contributions are acknowledged, ensuring sustainable development of the arts and enabling artists to thrive.

He concluded by emphasizing that the goal of a professional art industry is to place artists at its heart, fostering innovation and cultural preservation.

Tinh Le