The State Duma is developing a law on compulsory licensing of foreign films

Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the State Duma committee on information policy, information technology and communications, said that deputies are developing a bill on compulsory licensing of Western films. It will allow cinemas to legally show them.

“I think this year is the time to put an end to the debate about the mechanism of compulsory licensing of Western films. According to my information, a bill is being discussed that will allow cinemas to legally show the latest foreign films – and not engage in the semi-legal practice of ”pre-screening”. Which, by indirect signs, is popular with the audience, ”wrote Anton Gorelkin in his Telegram channel.

Anton Gorelkin recalled that the bill on compulsory licensing, introduced in the summer of 2022, was criticized because of the risks for Russian online cinemas. However, according to Mr. Gorelkin, with the new approach, possible risks will be taken into account, and the mechanism will be extended only to film distribution.

In August 2022, State Duma deputy Dmitry Kuznetsov offered draft law on compulsory licensing of foreign objects of copyright and related rights. The decision on licensing, according to the bill, will be made by the court. The Association of Cinema Owners supported the introduction of such a mechanism. However, some industry representatives believe that such a practice will lead to the departure of copyright holders who are still cooperating with Russia.

After the start of the special operation, the film companies Warner Bros., Disney, Sony, Paramount and Universal Pictures suspended the licensing of their projects in Russia. Against this background, rental fees in 2022 fell by 50-70%, and industry losses amounted to approximately 4.5 billion rubles.

How compulsory licensing can harm the film industry – in the material “Kommersant FM” “Cinema theaters are tightening their belts”.

Lusine Balasyan