Latin America and the Caribbean legal experts convene in Lima to address regional copyright issues

Legal experts and directors from authors’ societies across the Latin America and the Caribbean gathered in Lima to discuss key lobbying efforts on Artificial Intelligence, the implementation of the right to remuneration for audiovisual authors, private copying, and other pressing legal matters in the region.

The meeting of the Regional Legal Committee (CJLAC) —– a working group coordinated by the CISAC regional office and composed of lawyers representing authors’ societies from all repertoires — took place on 21 and 22 February in Lima, Peru. More than 25 legal professionals and experts attended the event organised with the support of the Peruvian society APDAYC. Attendees included Alexis Buenseñor, Chair of the Latin American and Caribbean Committee (CLC) and Hugo Gómez APAC, judge of the Court of Justice of the Andean Community (TJCA).

Participants received an update on CISAC's lobbying efforts on AI, and discussed the proposed AI laws in Brazil and Chile, the draft law on audiovisual authors’ remuneration in Brazil, and private copying legislative efforts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Discussions also covered Chile’s proposed resale right legislation.

A significant point of concern was the proposed Copyright limitations and exceptions bill in Costa Rica, which does not follow established international law regarding the scope of exceptions, and which would have a detrimental impact on local and international artists. Participants urged the Latin American and Caribbean Committee to approve a resolution opposing the bill. CISAC has already supported ACAM’s efforts regarding this bill in 2024 (COU23-0630). 

Additionally, at a meeting of the CLC Steering Committee, support was approved for ACAM, Costa Rica’s authors’ society, through meetings with deputies in the Costa Rican parliament. Further meetings with Costa Rican representatives will take place during the next annual meeting of the Regional Committee in San José on 2 and 3 April 2025.