17 February 2025, Berlin - CEPI - the European Audiovisual Production Association, is pleased to announce the publication of a new study, “Intellectual Property and the Contemporary European Audiovisual Industries”, authored by Christopher Meir, from the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, and Petar Mitric, from the University of Copenhagen.
This study, commissioned by CEPI, examines how evolving business models, particularly those driven by global streaming platforms, are reshaping intellectual property (IP) rights in Europe's audiovisual sector, posing both challenges and opportunities for European stakeholders.
This study was unveiled during CEPI’s Board meeting on Monday 17th of February during the Berlin International Film Festival.
Key findings
The study reveals that the dominance of global streaming platforms has led to a significant shift in IP ownership structures, often at the expense of European independent producers, leading to a situation where global platforms increasingly demand full ownership of content. This shift impacts European independent producers' ability to generate long-term revenue through international sales, remakes, sequels, or licensing deals.
Through different case studies, the research illustrates the financial and strategic value of IP rights for independent producers, and for Europe’s creative, cultural and economic sovereignty.
"This report provides a critical overview of the importance of intellectual property for Europe's audiovisual producers, explains why we must protect their rights in the face of the growing power of the American streaming platforms, and offers recommendations for how this can be done,” said Christopher Meir, co-author of the study. “As such, it is a must read for policy makers, producers, and all stakeholders in the European film and television industries."
Find and download the study below:
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