In a special statement, the Agency emphasized that all of its decisions are made exclusively in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Moldova.
The statement was prompted by a public declaration issued by the COPYRIGHT Association, in which the Agency’s activities were criticized.
In its published statement, AGEPI categorically rejected allegations that the agency or its employees were involved in any illegal activities.
The agency emphasized that it performs its legally mandated functions of monitoring the activities of collective management organizations, conducting inspections, and designating the organization authorized to collect royalties in cases of mandatory collective management of copyright and related rights.
According to AGEPI, all decisions are made in accordance with current legislation, without granting preferential treatment to any particular organization.
Why the Dispute Arose
As the agency notes, the term of previously adopted decisions appointing organizations to collect copyright royalties expired on March 5, 2026.
Until new decisions are made, according to the law, no collective management organization is authorized to collect the relevant payments.
AGEPI notes that the delay in appointing a new collector is due to the need to comply with the procedure established by law, analyze the operation of the collective management system, and evaluate the mechanisms for distributing copyright royalties.
The agency also reported that a working group was established in May 2026 to analyze the legal and institutional issues related to the appointment of a royalty collector.
According to AGEPI, the group is tasked with proposing solutions aimed at increasing the transparency and traceability of the processes for collecting, distributing, and paying royalties.
Accusations of “legalizing piracy” rejected
The agency also rejected public statements alleging the “legalization of piracy.” According to AGEPI, such claims distort the legal situation and create the false impression that authors have been deprived of the payments to which they are entitled.
The agency stated that the administrative procedure for appointing a collector does not imply that the state is abandoning the protection of copyright and cannot be viewed as legalizing the unauthorized use of intellectual property.
In conclusion, AGEPI reaffirmed its readiness to engage in dialogue with all participants in the collective management system and announced its intention to continue working to improve mechanisms for the protection of copyright and related rights.
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