The Russian Ministry of Economic Development rejected the senators’ proposal to let foreign films be shown in Russian cinemas without the copyright owners’ permission, provided a fee is paid. This stance was reported by TASS, which cited the ministry’s official response to a request from the Federation Council committee on economic policy.
Andrey Kutepov, who heads the committee, told the agency that licenses held by major foreign studios such as Walt Disney, Sony, BBC Studios, Warner Bros, and Universal Pictures for releases in Russia were terminated following a special operation. The films had been released to the public and licensed outside the country, actions described as violating international law norms and as an abuse of the rights of copyright holders.
In a document signed by Deputy Minister Maxim Kolesnikov, the ministry explained that the legislative change proposed by the senators was not supported. The concern is that such changes could lead to breaches of international agreements involving the Russian Federation and could feed negative assessments of Russian law enforcement and property rights protections.
The ministry noted that various international agreements to which Russia is party establish a framework for international protection of copyright and related rights. This framework aims to safeguard authorship rights for literary and artistic works, while also supporting creative activity and addressing problems that arise in the context of economic, social, cultural, and technological development.
The ministry further clarified that a copyright holder may freely decide whether others may use the results of their intellectual work or property. This discretion lies at the heart of how rights holders manage licensing and access to their creations.
Consequently, the document emphasizes that Russian legislation provides for the protection and enforcement of exclusive copyright and related rights. These protective measures align with Russia’s commitments under international law and with efforts to maintain order in the market for cultural products.
Previously, Akim Salbiev drew a comparison between the proposed bill and unlicensed piracy, highlighting the importance of licensing and the risks of unauthorized use. The discussion underscores a broader policy posture that prioritizes orderly licensing, international compliance, and robust protection for creators while balancing industry needs and consumer access.