In April 2000, industry figures from across the globe met in Cannes to debate the creation of an international industry body to combat television format piracy. The group agreed that action was necessary and endorsed the idea of FRAPA, the Format Recognition and Protection Association. It’s aims were succinctly stated: “FRAPA aims to ensure that television formats are respected by the industry and protected by law as intellectual property”.
FRAPA is the international format industry association dedicated to the protection of formats. FRAPA consists of more than 100 companies from within the television and broadcasting industries. Its members include format creators, producers, distributors and broadcasters.
FRAPA is set up as an independent non-profit association. Annual membership fees are relative to a company’s annual turnover. A member may be ejected, if such member repeatedly fails to abide by its undertakings to the rules of the association. The power is with the members’ meeting. The members’ meeting elects the Management Board and the Steering Committee.
HOW TO CREATE A FRAMEWORK FOR FORMAT PROTECTION?
- Provide research, in order to assess the economic significance of the international trade in formats and to investigate the means of strengthening the protection of formats under law
- Introduce industry acceptable business practices and define a code of conduct for fair competition
- Act as an industry pressure group to lobby for legal recognition of format rights
WHAT DOES FRAPA DO?
- Register format proposals
- Mediate disputes arising out of claims of format plagiarism
- Create guidelines for fair competition
- Educate the industry and the law
FRAPA continues to write and speak in support of television formats as unique, intellectual property.
Please feel free to contact FRAPA to see how we can help you and your business.
