Sofia Becomes a Global Copyright Hub - CISAC 2025 General Assembly Comes to Bulgaria

Bulgaria will host one of the most significant international events in the field of intellectual property - the Annual General Assembly of CISAC (International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Artists). Between 26 and 30 May 2025, representatives of all the world's leading collecting societies will gather in Sofia to discuss the future of the creative industries, and ensure fair remuneration for authors in the context of the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The event puts Bulgaria at the centre of the global debate on the protection of creators for the first time. It opens up new opportunities to improve the legal and economic infrastructure for collecting and distributing authorship revenues to meet the highest international standards in the coming years.

The main theme of CISAC General Assembly 2025 will be the challenges and opportunities associated with the advanced use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in music content creation. The Bulgarian capital is expected to be visited by more than 300 representatives from more than 120 countries around the world, as well as leading figures from the music, audiovisual, and cultural spheres.

With the development of artificial intelligence and its ability to create musical works, serious questions arise about the rights of original authors, transparency in the use of their works, and fair remuneration models.

During the event, leading experts, creators, and organizations will discuss the need for regulations and the adaptation of collective rights management to the digital age to ensure the protection of content creators.

"After 33 years of enforcing the current Copyright and Related Rights Act (CRARA), copyright outcomes remain limited. It is time for Bulgaria to adapt to successful global practices and ensure more effective copyright protection and enforcement to stimulate the development of culture and creative industries," said MUSICAUTOR Executive Director Ivan Dimitrov.

The event program will include panel discussions, strategy meetings, and special cultural initiatives that will highlight the role of copyright organizations in the digital age.

About CISAC

CISAC is the world's largest confederation of copyright societies. It represents over 5 million creators in the music, literature, visual arts, and audiovisual industries. The organization works to protect the rights of authors and ensure fair remuneration on a global scale and MUSICAUTHOR has been a member since 1993.