Ministry of Law: Use of Sports Event Theme Songs Must Comply with Copyright
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Law reminds that the use of various theme songs in sports events, both national and international, is not free and must comply with copyright provisions.
Director General of Intellectual Property at the Ministry of Law, Hermansyah Siregar, explained that in practice, sports theme songs involve various rights holders, including creators, producers, and record labels.
“Therefore, the use of such songs in broadcasts, public performances, promotions, and even digital content requires a valid licence,” stated Hermansyah in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He gave an example that official songs for events like the FIFA World Cup are copyrighted works protected by law, so any use must obtain permission from the rights holders.
Without permission, he said, such use can be categorised as a copyright infringement and may lead to legal consequences.
Therefore, Hermansyah emphasised that every song used in sports events, including theme songs, has economic value and is protected by law.
It is stated that unauthorised use not only violates the law but also harms the creators and related rights holders.
Furthermore, Hermansyah added that official organisers generally already hold music usage licences for event needs.
However, he continued, parties outside the organisers, such as businesses, public viewing organisers, or content creators, must still obtain separate permissions if they wish to use the same songs for public or commercial purposes.
Director of Copyright and Industrial Design at the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI) of the Ministry of Law, Agung Damarsasongko, explained that access to songs and/or music through digital platforms does not automatically grant usage rights for public purposes.
For that reason, he stressed the importance of awareness of intellectual property protection, especially the use of songs and/or music, as part of good public event practices.
“The use of songs and/or music from streaming services or digital platforms only applies to personal consumption,” Agung revealed.
Thus, he said, when used for public activities, commercial purposes, or rebroadcasts, additional licences are required from the rights holders or through the National Collective Management Agency (LMKN).
Agung also reminded that copyright protection is an important foundation in maintaining the sustainability of the creative industry, including the music sector which often becomes an integral part of sports events.
He stated that compliance with regulations not only avoids legal risks but also provides fair appreciation to creators.
DJKI encourages the public and businesses to understand the licensing mechanisms before using musical works.
Such efforts can be done by ensuring the music source comes from official channels and obtaining licences through LMKN or directly from rights holders according to respective usage purposes.
According to Agung, that step is a concrete form of protecting intellectual property while supporting a healthy creative ecosystem.
DJKI invites all parties to increase awareness of the importance of intellectual property protection in every activity, including in the use of sports theme songs.
“Compliance with copyright provisions is the key to creating a fair, sustainable ecosystem that respects the creative works of the nation’s children as well as global ones,” he added.
Understanding the importance of copyright protection, including in the use of sports theme songs, he continued, is one reflection of the broad role of intellectual property in the sports industry.