IPOPHL and WIPO Convene Asia-Pacific Conference to Advance Artists’ Resale Rights and Creative Economy

Policymakers, artists, copyright experts, collective management organizations, and representatives from international institutions across the Asia-Pacific region convened in Bataan, Philippines, from June 8 to 10 for the Asian Regional Conference on Artists’ Resale Right (ARR). Organized by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) in partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the three-day event focused on promoting a more equitable and sustainable art market through enhanced protection of artists’ rights.

The conference provided a platform to advance dialogue on the implementation of ARR amid rapidly evolving art markets shaped by digital platforms, cross-border transactions, and emerging technologies. ARR is a legal mechanism that entitles creators to receive a share of the proceeds when their original artworks are resold in the secondary market, ensuring that artists benefit from the appreciation of their works over time.

Among the Philippine participants were renowned artists Nemesio Miranda, Abdulmari “Toym” de Leon Imao Jr., Alberto “Badz” Magsumbol, and Megs Empinado. They joined fellow artists and stakeholders from around the world in discussions aimed at strengthening artists’ participation in the long-term value generated by their creative works.

WIPO Deputy Director General for the Copyright and Creative Industries Sector, Sylvie Forbin, highlighted the strong partnership between WIPO and the Philippines, noting the country’s ongoing commitment to enhancing intellectual property protection. She emphasized that the Philippines’ adoption of WIPO treaties has laid a crucial foundation for safeguarding creativity and enabling creators to derive value from their works through copyright and related rights.

Participants collaborated to develop strategies and a regional roadmap to boost awareness, administration, and enforcement of ARR across the Asia-Pacific region. This collective effort aims to foster a more inclusive and sustainable creative economy that benefits artists and communities throughout the region.

In a video message, First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos underscored the importance of protecting artists’ rights while fostering stronger regional cooperation. She stated, “This meaningful initiative reflects our shared commitment in protecting and promoting the rights of artists and creators and at the same time strengthening regional cooperation towards a more equitable and transparent creative industry. I hope that today’s gathering will encourage deeper collaboration, meaningful discussions, and continued efforts to support artists in order to advance growth for culture and creative sectors.”

IPOPHL Director General Teodoro C. Pascua emphasized the significance of artists’ resale rights and other intellectual property mechanisms in sustaining artists’ livelihoods and supporting national development. He remarked, “By strengthening protections, promoting mechanisms such as resale rights and enhancing awareness among creators, we can ensure that artists are able to sustain their practice and continue contributing to our cultural and economic landscape. Ultimately, supporting our artists is more than an economic policy, it is about nation building. It is about creating an environment where creativity thrives, where talent is nurtured, and where the fruits of artistic labor are justly shared.”

Pascua further linked the empowerment of artists to the country’s broader development goals under the Bagong Pilipinas vision. “Let us create meaningful steps toward realizing the vision of a nation that values innovation, champions creativity, and empowers our people to achieve their fullest potential. This is also appropriately aligned with the vision of our President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in creating a Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.

The conference underscored the growing recognition of the creative sector as a key driver of cultural development, innovation, and economic growth. Through stronger policies and mechanisms that protect creators and promote fair participation in the value generated by creative works, stakeholders aim to build a more inclusive and sustainable creative economy benefiting artists and communities throughout the Asia-Pacific region.