2015 was a busy and intense year because of the many changes that took place: the enactment of new legislation that had a direct impact on how collective rights management operates; a worsening political and economic crisis in the country; technical developments, operational and technological improvements; changes in the Board of Directors, with much pain and sadness due to the passing of our dear friend, Fernando Brant. However, at the same time, the year has been very interesting and positive with opportunities presenting themselves in the face of new challenges; and stimulating because of UBC's intense participation in the international community of author societies.
Regulation of Law 12853/13, which has been in force since 2013, has demanded a significant amount of extra work. Though the process has been burdensome, we have been carrying it out with a collective spirit of research and data collection. At the end of the process, we were rewarded with a greater understanding of ourselves. We transcribed a body of very interesting historic documentation. We reviewed and reconsidered our collection and distributions policies from an autonomous perspective, which forced us to completely revise the way we understand our function and draw up new strategies.
With regards to the activities performed by CISAC, we participated in a study on the Creative and Cultural Industry from a global perspective, which was published at the end of 2015. The published study represents a useful tool to help us demonstrate, to authorities and to the public in general, the strength of the industry in which collective management has such a crucial presence in terms of creating jobs and contributing to the economy.
Taking a broader viewpoint, 2015 was complex for authors’ societies in different areas all around the world, when considering the challenges facing all those involved in this activity. Regardless of the specific and local reasons, things are changing rapidly and on a global scale in terms of technology, and consequently in the environment where these societies operate. The solutions that were shared and developed together have become increasingly necessary. As a result, they promote actions to be taken together that, if well organized, will bring improvements for all involved.
