The film archive Net-Film and the State Film Fund of the Russian Federation became nodes of IPChain blockchain infrastructure. This will allow users to study materials of newsreel archives for free, General Director of the IPChain Association Andrey Krichevsky said.
The press service of the IPChain Association explained that now individuals and other holders of rights to audiovisual works can make transactions through the services of Net-Film in the IPChain electronic registry. Previously, only state archives, film and television companies had this right. To make a transaction, the parties will need to conclude a user agreement and provide documents confirming the copyrights to the materials.
Net-Film's accession to blockchain opens up a new form of licensing agreements for contract parties. Krichevsky notes that in the audiovisual market, consumers increasingly prefer the legal use of licensed materials from state archives and collections. Users now have the opportunity to make virtual deals directly with rightsholders. "Such transactions do not take much time, and they have already become a priority and convenient way to ensure the protection of their intellectual rights in the digital environment," Krichevsky explained. In addition, rightsholders will be rewarded for the use of archival materials, documentaries and newsreels.
First Deputy General Director of Gosfilmofond Roman Chistyakov draws attention to the fact that a partnership with IPChain will allow a comprehensive approach to the organization of convenient and legal use of Russian film heritage. Gosfilmofond will also provide users with quick access to information and statistics on rightsholders, priority, timing and territory of the copyright.
"The use of digital solutions for the management and protection of rights to state collections is a logical continuation of the digitization of film archives of Gosfilmofond as part of the National Project "Culture". The totality of all measures, as well as plans of Gosfilmofond large-scale digital restoration of archival films will eventually become accessible to all lovers and researchers of national cinema "- concluded Chistyakov.