PRS Exec calls for protection of intellectual property on British IP Day

In an address at the House of Commons, John Mottram, Chief Strategy, Communications & Public Affairs Officer at PRS for Music called for protection of intellectual property.

The parliamentary reception to MPs, policymakers, government officials, songwriters and composers on British IP Day was hosted by Pete Wishart MP and The Alliance for Intellectual Property, in partnership with PRS for Music and DACS.

John Mottram spoke of the need to protect the intellectual property of music creators in the face of AI being adopted.

He said: This year is a special year for PRS, it marks our 110th anniversary. Since 1914 we have had the honour to represent more than 175,000 songwriters, composers and publishers.

“Over the past 110 years the music industry has changed beyond recognition, however what has remained constant is the critical role of intellectual property (IP) in our sector.

“PRS for Music, like so many others in this room, exists to ensure the artistic brilliance of the UK’s creators are rewarded whenever and wherever their works are used.

“Our members depend on copyright, and our ability to license it, to earn a living from their craft and to build their businesses.

“In a digital global market, competition for our eyes and ears has never been greater. At a time when the UK is seeking to restart economic growth, our creative businesses need the confidence to innovate and to invest.

“Confidence which relies upon certainty and the protection of their works, both here and internationally.”

Stating that AI is a massive issue and challenge, he said that it’s also an opportunity. Acknowledging AI companies are businesses like any other and are raising billions, if not trillions, of investment for their new services and tools, he said in his experience investors expect to see significant returns on their investments.

Continuing, he added: “Despite this, it is the creators, without whom these AI services would not exist, who are too often told, it is unreasonable for them to continue to expect to control their musical works or be properly and accurately paid for them. This is a broken narrative.

“We need to strike a balance, otherwise we risk an irreversible shift of value away from the UK’s creative industries, and in the longer-term could erode even the possibility of a creative career.

“Creators, like all of us, recognise the opportunity of AI. A survey of PRS members last year showed 30% were already using AI to assist in the creation of music, with more than half expected to be using it in the future.

“They don’t want to slow the advancement of AI. They just believe it can, and should, be fairer.”