On April 16, 2025, the 4th Regional Seminar on Fostering Cooperation between Collective Management and Related Rights Organizations and Regulatory Bodies in the Western Balkans was held in Belgrade. The event was organized by CISAC (the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers, which brings together over 227 member societies from more than 116 countries) and SOKOJ, with the support of the Intellectual Property Office of the Republic of Serbia. The seminar brought together representatives of collective management societies for authors’ and related rights, intellectual property institutions, and government regulators from seven countries, with the aim of sharing experiences, reviewing progress, and determining common next steps.

At the seminar, global CISAC projects and the latest legal and policy developments regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the creative sector were presented, accompanied by an analysis of regional reforms in private copying levies and a comparative assessment of models for state oversight of collective organizations’ activities. Topics also included challenges in managing copyright for audiovisual works and the presentation of the “Balkan-Net” platform—a joint solution for data exchange and improved licensing between societies. The seminar concluded with a review of copyright management trends in Central and Eastern Europe, highlighting the need for further harmonization and deepening of partnerships.

Representatives of OFA followed discussions focused on transparent management, efficient international licensing processes, and expanding support for authors. The insights gained will serve to improve our internal procedures and develop new tools, with the goal of ensuring fair remuneration and reliable protection of photographic authors’ rights in an increasingly dynamic digital environment.