IP and Arts Festivals

Arts, cultural and folklore festivals provide a valuable opportunity for rich and diverse cultures to be performed, shared and preserved.

IP issues can arise when commercial interests, the media and the general public wish to record and disseminate the cultural expressions and skills being exhibited, which often include culturally sensitive materials, without the consent of the performers, traditional custodians, or festival organizers.

Furthermore, festival organizers wish to explore how to better brand and benefit from their festivals, whether through merchandising opportunities or through the sale of music and audio-visual recordings.

IP tools, such as trademarks, and copyright and related rights can be useful in practice, especially if used in conjunction with appropriate licensing arrangements, codes of conduct and protocols.