This week marks a historic milestone for the Pacific creative industry as the Solomon Islands officially launched their first Collective Management Organization (CMO), SIPRO (Solomon Islands Performing Rights Organisation). The Solomon Star newspaper featured this landmark event on its front page, highlighting the country’s commitment to protecting artists’ intellectual property rights.

What makes this launch even more significant is the strong regional collaboration it represents. Among the team at the launch was Jean Pierre Sam from Vanuatu’s Intellectual Property Office (VANIPO), highlighting a shared Pacific vision to support creative professionals across island nations. Jean Pierre went to the Solomon Islands to witness firsthand the experience and progress of their CMO, which will help strengthen and elevate the status of Vanuatu’s own CMO. He confirmed, “Vanuatu and Solomon Islands are collaborating closely to enhance understanding and develop their respective CMOs, recognizing the importance of intellectual property and copyright protection across the region.”

What is a CMO and Why Does it Matter?

A Collective Management Organization is a legal entity that manages copyright on behalf of creators — songwriters, composers, performers, and publishers. When their works are publicly played, whether on radio, at events, or in businesses, the CMO collects royalties and distributes them to rightful owners. Without a CMO, individual artists would struggle to monitor every use of their work and collect fair payment.

For the Solomon Islands, SIPRO’s establishment is a transformative step toward safeguarding local creative talent and ensuring they receive due recognition and compensation. It turns the tide on years of artists’ work being used without proper royalties.

Pacific Regional Cooperation in Action

The involvement of Vanuatu’s Jean Pierre Sam at the launch underscores the importance of regional cooperation. Both Vanuatu and Solomon Islands share similar challenges — limited resources, small markets, and a need to preserve rich cultural heritage. By exchanging knowledge and experiences, they can build stronger, more effective systems faster and avoid costly trial and error.

What’s Next for Vanuatu?

With support from UNESCO, both Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are making significant strides in establishing their Collective Management Organizations (CMOs). Vanuatu is currently advancing plans to define and launch its own CMO, drawing valuable lessons from the Solomon Islands’ experience and collaborating closely with regional partners. This initiative will open new opportunities for Vanuatu’s artists and creators to protect their rights and receive fair royalties, thereby strengthening the local creative economy and promoting sustainable cultural development.

Source: https://theislandsun.com.sb/solomon-islands-to-launch-first-ever-cmo-on-wednesday/