In this statement, EIFL highlights principles and key issues that matter for libraries when dealing with Collective Management Organizations (CMOs).

The statement comprises comments by EIFL on a Good Practice Toolkit for Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) being developed by WIPO (the World Intellectual Property Organization).

CMOs are organizations that manage rights on behalf of authors, performing artists, producers and other rightsowners. The type of CMO with which a library typically has the most dealings is a Reproduction Rights Organization (known as an RRO) that grants licences for the making of copies (photocopying and/or digital copies).

The draft WIPO Toolkit (on which EIFL’s statement comments) covers topics such as the provision of information about the CMO and its operations, governance, financial administration and distribution of revenue, members' rights to fair treatment, relationship between the CMO and licensees (such as libraries).