Allens and Viscopy design deal to protect artists
24 November 2011
Allens Arthur Robinson (Allens) has acted pro bono on a matter that will see two of Australia's prominent rights management agencies enter into an agreement to foster increased payments and better rights management for visual artists.
Allens advised not-for-profit organisation Viscopy on the services agreement, which was announced on 24 November. Viscopy represents more than 8,000 Australian and New Zealand artists, with nearly half of its membership comprising indigenous visual artists. Viscopy also represents more than 40,000 international artists via reciprocal arrangements with overseas copyright collection agencies.
Under the services agreement, fellow rights manager Copyright Agency Limited will provide back-office services to Viscopy and its members and licensees, to ensure that artists receive additional income and reduced administrative fees.
According to Partner Marcus Clark, who led the Allens team on the matter, the agreement removes existing red tape and creates a one-stop shop where organisations and businesses can license copyright material.
'This agreement will allow Viscopy and Copyright Agency to share their resources to deliver better results for artists and others wanting to licence artistic content,' Mr Clark said.
'We first started work on this matter in September 2010 so it has been a long negotiation; one that's drawn on our Competition, Mergers & Acquisitions and Technology, Media & Telecommunications practice groups.
'It was pleasing to work with Viscopy on this matter, which complements the work our firm is doing in the pro bono, arts and reconciliation space.
'The agreement will impact on a large cross-section of indigenous and non-indigenous artists and we're proud to be part of the team protecting their rights.'
The agreement, which would be reviewed by both organisations after three years, is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to take effect by mid-2012.
| Allens legal team | Marcus Clark (Partner – Sydney), Carolyn Oddie (Partner – Sydney), Fiona Crosbie (Partner – Sydney), Charles Coorey (Senior Associate – Sydney), Nathan Shepherd (Senior Associate – Sydney), Matt Vitins (Lawyer – Sydney) |
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For further information, please contact:
- Susan CowenCommunications Coordinator,
Melbourne
Ph: +61 3 9613 8374
Susan.Cowen@aar.com.au
Notes for editors.
Allens Arthur Robinson has staff in 14 cities and eight countries across the Asia Pacific.
