Many music production companies in Vietnam still infringe on copyright protection rules by using songs from other musicians without permission.
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| Thao Nhi and My Hoan perform "Running from the rain" |
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| Nguyen Dinh Thanh Tam |
During the battle round of the show The Voice 2013, contestants Thao Nhi and My Hoan performed the song Chay Mua (Running from the rain).
After the show, the singer Nguyen Dinh Thanh Tam, who actually paid for the exclusive rights to perform the song, expressed is disapproval on his website.
"I wish that promoters and organisers of such shows would ask me permission before using the song. Now I'm not sure what to do. I could make a big deal out of it and go up against The Voice, which has become such a big show. At the very least, though, they should inform copyright holders that these songs will be performed."
Though many supported the singer, there are others who think that Tam is blowing the situation out of proportion
Songwriter, Toan Thang, said he registered with the Vietnam Centre for Protection of Music Copyright branch in HCM City. But, because of his lack of legal knowledge, he says he does not know if laws have been infringed. He also expressed a desire to come to reasonable terms with everyone involved.
"If a professional singer used this song, I'd have a different approach. However, the song was only used in an amateur competition. I can understand why Tam is angry. It would be as if a stranger suddenly came in your room and slept on your bed," he said.
A representative from the Centre for Protection of Music Copyright said Tam had been given exclusive copyright use, so anybody wishing to perform the song must have agreement from both parties.
In Vietnam Idol 2010, contestant, Uyen Linh, also used the song Duong Cong (The Curves) from songwriter Nguyen Hai Phong without permission. The songwriter only protested when Linh started to use the song in other shows.
