Senate approves sweeping IP law with digital rights platform and cashless mandates
The Senate has approved a new law aimed at bolstering intellectual property protection. The legislation introduces a digital platform for collective rights management, set to enhance transparency and efficiency. Cash transactions will also be targeted, with all contracts to be concluded digitally by 2026.
The new law requires winners of international scientific project competitions and their mentors to receive one-time cash awards. It also prohibits lip-syncing at concerts with 200 or more spectators, unless for television production or performances in venues not designed for live shows.
The Federal Office of Administration (BVA), in coordination with the IT Planning Council (IT-Planungsrat) and the Federal IT Cooperation (FITKO), will oversee the implementation, management, updates, maintenance, and technical support of the unified digital platform. This rollout is expected by the first quarter of 2026. Deputy Justice Minister Botagoz Zhakselekova confirmed resistance from copyright societies against the platform's introduction.
The digital platform will be managed by the National Institute of Intellectual Property under the Ministry of Justice. Copyright societies will be required to use the platform, entering data on collected, distributed, and paid royalties. This aims to ensure transparency in the operations of collective rights management organizations.
The legislation also includes amendments to tighten adoption requirements, refine state accreditation of educational institutions, and develop library collections. Individuals with certain circumstances will be exempt from mandatory service requirements.
The new law, approved by the Senate, introduces a digital platform for collective rights management, aiming to increase transparency and protect intellectual property. It also targets cash transactions, requiring all contracts to be concluded digitally by 2026. The rollout of the digital platform is expected in the first quarter of 2026, with the BVA leading its implementation and management.
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