MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Which types of freelance writers’ works are protected by copyright? How can a freelance writer protect their copyright? Who owns the copyright to the manuscript written for a client? What steps can a freelance writer take if a client infringes upon their copyright?
These and many other copyright-related issues will be discussed during the Freelance Writers’ Guild of the Philippines’ (FWGP) segment dubbed “Copyright 101 for Freelance Writers”.
The session, which will happen on 23 November 2021, forms part of the series of activities for the first-ever 1st Philippine International Copyright Summit (PICS) 2021. This groundbreaking event runs from 22 to 26 November 2021 and is organized and hosted by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines of the Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights (IPOPHL-BCRR).
With the theme “United in Copyright,” the inaugural PICS 2021 is a landmark event that brings together international and local key players, experts, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the copyright sector.
“Through PICS 2021, the IPOPHL hopes to raise awareness, educate the public, and generate respect for intellectual property rights, particularly copyright. It will also serve as a venue to showcase the various Copyright-based Industries (CBIs), both mainstream and non-traditional, including freelance writers,” said Atty. Emerson G. Cuyo, Director of the BCRR.
“Copyright protection is one of the most significant and complex issues that many freelance writers are facing today. The Freelance Writers’ Guild of the Philippines’ participation in PICS 2021 gives us the opportunity to reach our fellow freelance writers to share information on how we can protect our copyright, among other intellectual property issues,” said Aimee Morales, FWGP founder and advocacy committee head.
“In addition to our segment at PICS 2021, the FWGP will be working with the IPOPHL-BCRR on Protecting Writers’ Works (PWW), an e-book containing information on intellectual property, writers’ rights, copyright, and contracts specifically for freelance content creators. We are truly grateful for this opportunity to work hand-in-hand with the IPOPHL in protecting and advancing freelance writers’ rights,” said Connie Macatuno, vice president of the FWGP.
Composed of freelance writing professionals from various sectors, the FWGP is a legitimate workers’ association recognized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Its mission is to protect the welfare of Filipino freelance writers and support the professional development of its members. It is an affiliate of UNI Global Union-Philippine Liaison Council (UNI-PLC), one of the country’s trade union centers.
The FWGP invites members of the freelance writing community to support PICS 2021 and to join “Copyright 101 for Freelance Writers”. Registration is FREE! Kindly sign up through this link https://bit.ly/1stPICS2021Registration.
For more information about the event and future events, please follow the BCRR’s official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/IPOPHLBCRR) and the FWGP’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/fwgp.org).
